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Preventing Rollover Accidents: Heed These Tips

by  on  Car Accidents & Motor Vehicle Collisions

If you or someone you love has ever been involved in a rollover accident in an automobile, it is highly likely that the sheer terror alone was enough to make the incident one of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have. Rollover collisions are always some of the most devastating crashes.

Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that only about three percent of all major collisions involve rollovers, 33 percent of passenger deaths happen due to rollover accidents.

Rollovers can occur for any number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons relate to the vehicle’s center of gravity. Certain vehicles, like pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs, are top-heavy and as such, they are more likely to roll over in the event of a crash. 

The grip of a vehicle’s tires can also play a huge role in rollovers. Too much grip can result in the buildup of sideways forces that will become so excessive that the vehicle ultimately flips. That said, depending on the circumstances, sliding may be better than tipping over. Still, sliding can put drivers and passengers at risk, as they might hit a curb or something else that ultimately leads to them flipping over.

So, how can rollover accidents be avoided?

Prevent Rollover Accidents by Keeping These Tips in Mind

There are several things that can be done to help keep you and your passengers safe and avoid rollover incidents.

Check Your Tires on a Routine Basis

It is crucial for you to ensure that all of your vehicle’s tires are in good shape, meaning they should have the appropriate tire pressure and the proper amount of tread.

Avoid Putting Too Much in Your Automobile

Vehicle owners are also encouraged to keep the size and weight of their vehicles in mind when loading them. If you overload a vehicle, it can lower its stability, which can ultimately enhance your chances of rolling over. Also, when loading the vehicle, try to place the weight as close to the vehicle’s center of gravity as possible.

Do Not Speed and Stay Attentive

Regardless of whether you are traveling in a normal passenger vehicle or an SUV, if you are speeding, your chances of rolling over in the event of a crash are greatly heightened. The results of such accidents can be very severe (or even deadly in some cases). It is also imperative that you avoid distractions when operating a motor vehicle. Even the slightest distraction can cause a driver to swerve, which could potentially lead to the vehicle rolling over.

Do Not Overcompensate When Steering

The best thing for a driver to do if he or she feels the vehicle begin to get out of balance is to stay as calm as possible and do not make any sudden movements in an effort to correct the situation. It is always advisable for drivers to steer in the same direction as the tilting vehicle.

Have you been hurt in a rollover accident? Contact the Denver accident lawyers at Levine Law today. Let us help you learn more about your legal rights and options.