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dence that these maneuvers , which are absolutely essential for ve hicle stability , are neither simple nor instinctive .

Notwithstanding the claims of the manufacturers , these products are far from “ all - terrain ” vehicles . Failure to shift rider ' s weight forward properly when going uphill may cause the three - wheeler to flip over backward . Failure to shift the rider ' s weight backward properly when going downhill may cause the three - wheeler to pitch over forward ; and stability or balance of the vehicle on slanted or sidehill terrain is precarious .

In fact , these vehicles are probably most dangerous on slanted surfaces . In a brochure published in 1981 for distribution to its dealers , Honda admitted that riding on sidehill terrain was some thing that should be avoided .

These accidents are not happening because riders do not possess ordinary skills or because they do not exercise ordinary care . These accidents are happening precisely because most riders are persons of ordinary skill , care , and judgment .

These products have been promoted in this country as safe and suitable for operation on all kinds of terrain . They are neither safe nor suitable for such operation , except in the hands of the most skilled riders and even then , danger of overturning in one direction or another is a constant companion .

These products have been promoted in this country as safe and suitable for operation by men , women , and children of nearly all ages without any real indication of the nature and degree of skill required . They are neither safe nor suitable for operation by un skilled riders , and particularly by young riders .

These products are basically motorized tricycles designed exclu sively for off - road use which are capable of achieving high speeds . They are unstable for physical reasons which are not difficult to understand . No one should be surprised that the injury and death statistics are what we now know them to be .

These products , in my opinion , gentlemen , are unsafe and should be withdrawn from the market .

Thank you . [ The prepared statement of Mr . Scanlon follows : ]