What Causes Rollover Accidents?

Rollover accidents are some of the most serious crashes and often result in severe injuries, even death. As sport utility vehicles (SUVs), minivans and pickup trucks become increasingly popular, the number of rollover crashes seem to go up.

In Kentucky, there are regular reports of rollover crashes along the roads and highways. In December 2008, two women were killed and one man was injured after the vehicle they had been traveling in crashed. The accident occurred on northbound Interstate 65 after the driver lost control of the vehicle, which caused it to roll over several times before it stopped in the median. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are not uncommon. Every year, thousands of people across the country die in rollovers.

SUVs are often involved in rollover accidents. In fact, an SUV is nearly three times more likely to rollover than the average passenger vehicle. These vehicles have changed from an off-road vehicle to a family car. As a result, the roll bars, which were used to protect drivers and passengers, have been removed to accommodate the needs of the target market. SUVs now have the highest rate of deaths, as compared to other vehicles, when it comes to rollover crashes. Rollover crashes are particularly deadly for the driver and passengers, because there is a substantial risk of the roof collapsing during the crash, which can cause severe head injuries.

Rollovers are more common in SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks due to the height of these vehicles and the stability in turns. These vehicles, which have a high center of gravity, have the tendency to rollover when the driver makes a sharp turn or changes direction. Other causes of rollover accidents have been linked to weak roofs and safety restraint system failures. Also, speed has been recognized as a contributing factor to rollover crashes. According to researchers, 40 percent of fatal rollovers were associated with excessive speed and approximately two-thirds of rollovers occurred in a zone where the speed limit was 55 miles per hour or higher.

To help prevent a rollover accident, avoid making sharp turns and remain focused on the road. You can also stay current on auto recalls by visiting the Office of Defects Investigations’ website.

If you have been injured in a rollover accident, contact an experienced Kentucky car accident attorney at Gray and White Law at 1-502-210-8942 or 1-800-634-8767.