Rollover accidents are the number one motor vehicle accident-related killer of drivers and occupants of SUVs, trucks and mini vans. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 10,000 lives are lost in the 280,000 rollover accidents reported each year.
Rollover accidents often eject occupants from their vehicle, which contributes to the high rate of fatalities for these types of accidents.
SUVs and trucks are more prone to rollover than other passenger vehicles. This is because SUVs and trucks are often built to operate higher off the ground and carry heavier loads. This makes them more top heavy and more likely to rollover in an accident.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Vehicle design is not the only cause of rollover accidents. Rollover accidents occur for multiple reasons, including:
• Steering overcorrection: When a driver veers off the road, he or she will often overcorrect and jerk the steering wheel in the other direction. This often causes instability and can cause the vehicle to flip.
• Overloading of the car: Overloading a vehicle with passengers and objects also decreases a vehicle’s stability and increases the risk of rollover.
• Aggressive driving: Speeding and veering in and out of lanes can cause a vehicle to rollover.
• Distracted driving: Multi-tasking while driving, such as texting and driving, is dangerous and will often cause a driver to veer off the road or hit an object, both of which can contribute to vehicle tipping.
• Drunk driving: Driving while impaired increases the risks for rollover accidents.
Many rollover accidents are preventable with safe driving. Those injured in rollover accidents should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney about their rights to recover compensation from any negligent motorists who contributed to the cause of the accidents.
Source: Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, “Rollover Fact Sheet“