It seems like a major shock when we see a vehicle rolled over in an accident. Many wonder how the calamity happened and are often curious and try to work out how the accident occurred. Citywide Towing will explain the mysteries of rollovers and some of the most common causes as well as the vehicles that are mostly prone to rollovers occurring.
Vehicles Most Likely to Rollover
The vehicles with the highest risk of rollovers are SUVs, trucks, and minivans according to the National Highway Safety Administration. One rather scary yearly report tells us those accidents involving rollovers average around 280,000 with about 10,000 fatalities. SUVs have the worst record of all the other vehicles. Back in 2003 35.7% of recorded rollovers were SUVs with 15.8% of them having fatalities due to the weight of the SUV. Most specifically they are a top heavy vehicle.
What Causes Rollover Accidents?
Most rollovers are directly related to a vehicle’s stability during turns. In more detail the stability of a vehicle is greatly influenced by the vehicle’s relationship with the center of gravity and the width between the left and right wheels. The higher the vehicle is from the ground and the more narrow the tire are the more prone the vehicle is to becoming more unstable, especially during fast and or sharp turns. This problem mostly is noted with 4-wheel drive trucks and sport-utility vehicles, particularly if the vehicle has been lifted and during off road driving. Most fatal accidents that occur when a 4-wheel drive has been rolled are when the driver and passengers weren’t wearing a seatbelt, under the influence of alcohol, and with drivers under 25.
Vehicle Rollover Ratings
Since there are no regulations for vehicles to be subjected to a federal rollover standard, the National Highway Safety Administration has introduced a rollover rating system. This system is designed to help predict which vehicle has the greater likelihood or chance of overturning or rollover in a “single vehicle” accident; or in other words, without being involved in a multi-car collision. This system was introduced in 2001 where a five start rating system is given by engineering analysis for each vehicle determined by the vehicle’s center of gravity and the width of the tire from side to side. The measurement of the vehicle and the information from police accident reports is what dictates a vehicle’s rating. A five star rating is when a vehicle has a 10% chance of rollovers, and a single star rating means a vehicle has a 40% or greater chance of rollover. This rating system is public and should be considered when buying a vehicle and especially those with large families. You can view your current or prospective vehicle rating directly from National Highway Safety Administration or ask the dealership if they can provide that information for you.
Towing, Roadside Assistance & More in Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
It is unfortunate and scary when a rollover occurs. Citywide Towing hopes that everyone is safe and injury free if they are involved in an accident. If you find you need help during a rollover, whether you were off-roading or on the road, don’t feel helpless. Citywide Towing can be there to help retrieve your vehicle. Contact us when you find you are in need of our assistance.
