Rollover accidents are serious events. In 2010, the National Highway Safety Administration reported that over 7,500 drivers and passengers were killed in rollover accidents, despite rollovers occurring in fewer than 3% of all traffic accidents. If you have a truck or SUV, or any vehicle with a high center of gravity, your chances of finding yourself in a rollover accident are heightened. Even so, no matter what type of vehicle you drive, you should know the best practices to avoid rollovers.
Drive Carefully in Poor Weather
When roads are wet from rain or snow, the chances of losing control skyrocket. Especially if you drive a narrow and tall vehicle like a van or SUV you should always drive in an alert and safe manner. Slow down and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Make sure your lights are on no matter what color your car is when it is raining or snowing and visibility is poor.
Be Aware of Road Conditions and Slow Down!
Single-car rollover accidents are frequently caused by the car tripping over a curb or median after going too fast on a turn. The car may also trip from hitting a pothole or a soft roadside shoulder. About 95% of rollovers are caused by trips, and 40% from excess speed.
Check your Tire Pressure
Tire pressure must always be at equilibrium to avoid a rollover accident. Each tire should have the recommended level of air; when the tires are not in sync, the car loses stability. This is especially risky for a top-heavy SUV, van or truck.
Leave Plenty of Room
No matter what driving conditions look like, leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. You never know when you will have to act defensively to reduce the chances of an accident. When less space is available to make decisions, there is less time to act. Sudden jerks of the wheel at high speeds are the perfect conditions for a deadly rollover. When you're on the highway, a good guideline is the 3-second rule. Pick a point on the road that is parallel to the driver in front of you (like a billboard) and count how long it takes to pass it. If you pass the object in under 3 seconds, you're too close.
Wear your Seatbelt, it's the Law
Believe it or not, the best way to stay safe in a rollover incident -- should it take place -- is to buckle up. Over 65% of the occupants killed in 2010 were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. When a car rolls over, passengers tumble around like laundry in the dryer, vastly enhancing their chances of becoming injured or killed.
If you've been involved in a rollover accident with personal injury or property damage, you may wish to consult with an experienced attorney to understand your prospects. Attorney James Vasquez can help you file a claim and receive a just settlement today.