We have written often about the many causes of car accidents… drunk driving, distracted driving, hazardous weather and more.
One of the most common types of fatal car crashes is the rollover crash – an accident caused or resulting in a vehicle tumbling side over the side before coming to rest.
Only three percent of all car accidents involve a rollover. Yet over one-third of all fatal crashes are the result of a rollover crash with more than 10,000 people dying annually in the U.S. from such crashes.
What causes a rollover?
Actually many people assume they are most often caused by a driver/steering maneuver. In fact, most vehicles need to hit something to cause the vehicle to “trip up” – such as a curb, pothole or soft shoulder. Ninety-five percent of such accidents are from that cause.
The vehicles most susceptible? Taller and narrower ones… SUVs, pickups, and vans are more susceptible to rolling over than traditional cars because they have a higher center of gravity and are more top-heavy.
What can you do to avoid or survive such a crash?
- Always wear a safety belt. Your chances of surviving a rollover crash are 75% better than when you don’t.
- Observe all speed laws.
- Don’t drive when intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Approximately 50% of all rollovers involve drive drug and/or alcohol use.
- Never exceed a vehicle’s safe weight – and always make sure to distribute the weight of whatever you are carrying.
- Use extra care on rural roads where the speed limit is 55 MPH or higher. Seventy-five percent of fatal rollovers occur on these roads.
- Help your young drivers fully understand the dangers – particularly inherent in SUVs and pick-up trucks
If you’re ever injured in a car accident of any kind, know that the Connecticut car accident lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have been assisting drivers injured in accidents for 60 years. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you are ever in a car accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut car accident lawyers, please contact us.
There is no obligation.