Over the past several years, there has been seen an increasing popularity of side-by-side utility and recreational vehicles (also referred to as UTVs and ROVs), which resemble road-going passenger vehicles more so than typical ATVs due to bench/bucket seats, safety belts, steering wheels, etc. Some of these perceived safety advances over standard ATVs are reasons for their increased popularity. Therefore, it is important to begin using basic passenger car vehicle dynamics knowledge and testing techniques to enhance the safety of these vehicles by making them perform more like roadgoing vehicles in terms of both directional stability and rollover resistance.

Recent research by The Engineering Institute has resulted in a quantification of the performance aspects of a typical side-by-side using standard automobile tests such as SAE J266, ISO Avoidance Maneuvers, J-turns, and a slalom course. Simple vehicle modifications were also performed that dramatically improved the performance of the vehicle through the same maneuvers.

This paper will discuss the results of both the testing on the standard and modified vehicle. Data from the testing will be presented, and the vehicle modifications will be illustrated. Conclusions will be made detailing the effectiveness of using basic passenger car vehicle dynamics principles at drastically improving the safety of side-by-sides.