There’s something utterly heart stopping about the site of a car flipped on its roof. You naturally slow down to look. Your mind drifts to thoughts of the pain the victims may be feeling or the fear they may have for their well-being. We’d never want to trade places with that individual. However, our driving practices may bring us closer than we can imagine to this dangerous reality.
Rollover crashes are among the most dangerous. While they only account for 2.1 percent of the over nine million vehicle crashes that take place each year, they account for nearly 35 percent of deaths in vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Below are tips that will help you avoid these deadly incidents.
- Pick the right car: Some cars are more likely to roll over than others. Automobiles with a high center of gravity and less weight on top, like SUV’s and pickup trucks are particularly susceptible to a rollover. Standard automobile types with a lower center of gravity are less likely to roll over. If you want to greatly reduce your chances of this type of crash avoid SUV’s and trucks all together.
- Stay focused when driving: This applies to any driving scenario, but it holds especially true when it comes to avoiding rollover crashes. Sudden stops or slowdowns can cause you to switch lanes or swerve quickly. This greatly increases your chances of a rollover, especially if you hit a curb or if your car runs onto soft ground. It’s also critical that you don’t engage in any activity that can distract you while driving, including texting or talking on your cell phone.
- Take extreme caution when driving in poor weather conditions: Rainy weather brings an additional set of concerns when avoiding rollover crashes. Sudden braking to avoid cars or objects can lead to skidding, which can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Avoid driving in these conditions, if possible. If you have to travel in rainy conditions, use a higher level of caution than you would normally use while driving.
- Check the condition of your tires: Tires are your direct connection with the road, if they are worn, you could be putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. Worn tires may burst causing a “blowout”. If your tire blows out at a high speed, it can cause you to lose control of your automobile. Also make sure that your tires have an equal amount of pressure. Uneven tires can be dangerous as well.
- Don’t put a large load on the roof of your vehicle: This tip is especially important for SUV’s. Since the tops of these vehicles are light in comparison to the rest of the body, placing heavy items on the top makes them much less stable. What margin of error you had for quick turns and swerves becomes greatly diminished. Consult your owner’s manual to learn about your car’s load ratings.
If you or someone you love was involved in a rollover crash, please don’t wait to take action. Contact the personal injury attorneys at McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi & Guito, P.A. right away. They can evaluate your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 844-511-4800.
