Keeping Families Safer From Rollovers Starts With Understanding What Causes Them

Out of all serious crashes that lead to a fatality, nearly one-third of those deaths is the direct result of a rollover accident according to Consumer Reports. Many of these deaths happen to children because they are either in the wrong part of the vehicle, or their car seat did not restrain them properly. There are several things that can decrease just how many people die as the result of a rollover accident. This can include increased vehicle safety features during the design phase of new vehicles, using better safety belts, child car seats, and restraints on passengers, and understanding the mechanics that lead to a rollover accident. When drivers understand what causes rollover accidents, they are better able to keep their family safe on the road. 

There Are Two Main Causes of Rollovers

When a rollover occurs, it often stems from one of two places. First, it comes from a maneuver the driver made that was too fast for the vehicle. This often happens with taller vehicles as they are further from the ground and heavier on the top portion of the vehicle. This can make them slightly more prone to tipping during quick turns or other maneuvers. Second, a rollover can come from what is known as tripping. This is when something causes the vehicle to skip up on one side, leaning the vehicle over, and causing it to roll to the other side. Some vehicles continue to roll once the process gets started until the inertia of the vehicle has dissipated. Estimates are tripping is the top cause of all rollover crashes. The object the vehicle trips over can be something larger, such as a curb, or even something smaller, such as the gently sloping shoulder on the side of the road.

Rollover Accidents Can Lead to a Myriad of Injuries

When a rollover incident occurs, it can damage any part of the body. This is especially true for adults and children without proper restraint at the time of the accident. The vehicle can buckle in from the sides or the top, which can lead to an increased chance of injuries as it is typically less protected. Passengers often face injuries to the head, neck, spine, limbs, and can die as a result of the accident. The more times the vehicle rolled during the crash, the higher the chances become that people within the vehicle will face some type of injury.

Be Prepared Just In Case You Are In a Rollover Accident

Drivers can remain safe when facing a rollover. Removing all body parts from the vehicle, including the steering wheel and pedals, allows for the body to move more freely. This reduces the damage the body takes. Plus, people should cross their arms and hug their shoulders to protect their chests from damage. Staying calm and getting away from the vehicle should be what happens when the rolling stops. Then, an ambulance or emergency vehicle should be called. Waiting safely away from the road and traffic is also a good idea. Get a full exam and follow doctor’s orders, should there be any injuries, to be able to recover as quickly as possible.

Knowing how rollover accidents happen can help drivers avoid them. The safer someone drives, the less likely they are to struggle with the injuries associated with rollover crashes. If children are in the vehicle, they should always be restrained properly in a safety seat appropriate for their age. That way, everyone in the vehicle has the best chances of getting out of the vehicle alive should a rollover occur.