According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 280,000 rollover accidents are reported every year in the United States. Unlike a collision, a rollover is when a vehicle flips either on its side or roof. Sometimes, a car ends up rolling multiple times, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.
These types of accidents are caused by multiple factors, including other people’s negligence. If that is the case, you can file a claim against the at-fault party. With the help of attorneys experienced in rollover accident cases, you can get compensation for your injuries.
Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that can lead to a rollover accident:
The Type of Vehicle
SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more vulnerable to rollovers because they have a higher center of gravity compared to saloon cars. Tall and narrow vehicles are more likely to tip if they are pushed too far.
This makes them less stable in sharp turns or when you make sudden turns. Even though newer models come with electronic stability control systems to reduce rollover, the risk remains the same because of basic physics.
Speeding
We all know that driving too fast leads to a majority of accidents. 29% of accidents in the country are caused by speeding, according to the NHTSA. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to road hazards, curves, or sudden stops. If a driver tries to swerve or make a sharp turn at a high speed, it can easily cause the vehicle to lose balance and roll. Therefore, the faster you go, the higher the risk.
Road Conditions and Terrain
Where you are driving is as important as how you are driving. Uneven roads, gravel, debris, and rural routes with little shoulder space (the area made of dirt and less firm material by the side of the road) increase the chance of rollovers. Vehicles are more likely to tip when a tire drops, slides from the pavement, or hits a soft shoulder.
Even potholes or construction areas can cause a driver to lose control. In off-road situations, the combination of unpredictable terrain and vehicle instability makes rollovers more likely to happen.
Driver Behavior
Another leading cause of accidents is distracted driving. This can be:
- Texting while driving
- Adjusting the radio
- Daydreaming
- Eating while driving
- Picking up a call
All these can lead to poor decision-making and overcorrection. Swerving to avoid an obstacle or suddenly jerking the steering wheel can affect the balance of your car, especially when you are speeding.
Additionally, impaired driving, whether you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or extreme fatigue, slows reaction time and increases the chances of dangerous maneuvering. Sometimes, inexperienced drivers may panic and react in ways that cause them to lose control.
Tires and Vehicle Load
Something as simple as tires can have a big impact on increasing the risk of rollovers. Underinflated or worn-out tires reduce traction on the road in poor weather. Poor traction leads to less control. A vehicle is more likely to skid and slide off the road, ending up in a rollover
accident.
Overloading a vehicle or loading it unevenly shifts the center of gravity. Once again, this makes it harder to control the car when turning or suddenly braking.
Multiple Car Collisions
When two or more cars collide with each other, there is a chance of a direct side impact. This may flip the car, resulting in a rollover accident. As more vehicles collide with each other, the risk of pileups increases, leading to further damage.
Conclusion
Rollover accidents can happen in an instant, but they are often preventable. By understanding the common causes, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and stay safe on the road.
