Car rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous things that can happen to you on the road. SUVs, minivans, and trucks face a higher risk of this than other kinds of vehicles. Because of their high center of gravity and the narrowness of the track, these vehicles have a harder time stabilizing themselves in the event of vehicular accidents. Add to that the fact that they usually carry more passengers or cargo than other types of small vehicles.
Car rollover accidents are directly influenced by a vehicle’s ability to make a stable turn. This stability is, in turn, influenced by the vehicle’s center of gravity (in the case of SUVs and vans, the center of gravity is higher because of the vehicle’s height), and the narrowness of track (or the distance between the left and right row of wheels). The higher the center of gravity and the narrower the track, the harder it will be for drivers to negotiate a sharp turn.
Car manufacturers of SUV in particular, have already recognized the big issue with the design of their vehicles and installed more effective roll-stability systems. Still, car rollover accidents continue to be a major concern. Rollover accidents can be fatal especially when the passengers are not wearing seatbelts. This can result to the ejection of the passenger from the vehicle.
Emergency driving maneuvers that work for smaller vehicles may prove to be fatal in SUVs. Sometimes the vehicle may respond as if you were overcompensating when you were really just trying to avoid a crash by making a sharp turn.
There are a few safety tips that you can use to prevent car rollover accidents:
* Check the design of the SUV you want to purchase – try to research on which make or model has the lowest number of fatalities. Pick an SUV that is not too tall and has a wider track. Check also for vehicles that have a sturdier design for the roof as this is also one of the factors that make car rollover accidents so dangerous.
* Do not overload your vehicle – contrary to popular belief, SUVs and vans are more prone to car rollover accidents when they are heavy.
* Always wear your seatbelts – doing this will minimize the possibility that a rollover accident will be fatal. Passengers who do not wear seatbelts tend to get ejected off the vehicle.
* Avoid sudden corrective actions – remember that since vehicles as SUVs have a harder time negotiating sharp turns, overcorrection may tip the balance of the vehicle and result to a car rollover accident.
* Consider extra safety features – some car manufacturers already install extra safety features that protect against rollover accidents, like rollover airbags.
Car manufacturers are already aiming to produce SUVs and similar vehicles that ride closer to the ground. This way, they reduce the risk of car rollover accidents significantly.
If you or a family member have been involved in car rollover accidents recently, it is best to consult with an experienced Los Angeles attorney to explore the possibility of filing a case against negligent parties. Seek legal counsel early to increase the chances of getting a timely and positive decision regarding your case.
For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA.