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We've 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 result from a vehicle rollover, with more than 10,000 people dying annually in the U.S. from such crashes.
What causes a rollover?
Many people assume they're most often caused by a flawed driver/steering maneuver. In fact, according to federal statistics, most vehicles need to hit something to cause a vehicle to "trip up" – such as a curb, pothole, or soft shoulder. Ninety-five percent of such accidents are from trip-ups.
The vehicles most susceptible? Taller and narrower ones… SUVs, pickups, and vans are more vulnerable to rolling over than 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 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 evenly.
- 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 of a rollover – particularly inherent with SUVs and pickup trucks
If you or a loved one are ever in a car accident in Connecticut, know that the Connecticut car accident lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have been assisting people like you who've been injured in these accidents for over 60 years. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you are ever injured in an accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut injury lawyers, please contact us. There is no obligation.