Although rollover accidents account for less than five percent of the vehicle crashes that occur nationwide each year, they cause more than one-third of all vehicle occupant fatalities, according to the National Highway Travel Safety Administration (NHTSA). The following examination of car accident statistics from the experts at Todd R. Durham Law Firm reveals just how serious rollover crashes are and offers tips that can help protect you and your family.
Contributing Factors to Rollover Crashes
While all motor vehicles can be involved in a rollover crash, high-profile vehicles with high centers of gravity, such as pick-up trucks, vans and SUVs, are particularly prone to rollovers. Rollovers are significantly influenced by driver behavior and environmental conditions as well. Contributing factors include:
- Tripped Rollovers- Comprising around 95 percent of all rollover incidents, tripped rollovers occur when a driver veers the vehicle off the side of the road and attempts to recover by steering too sharply to the left.
- Location- Around 75 percent of rollovers that result in a fatality occur on rural roads and areas.
- Speed- Around 40 percent of rollovers involve excessive speeds.
- Impairment- In nearly 50 percent of rollover incidents, the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Best Rollover Prevention Practices: Seatbelt Use
The most significant precaution that drivers and passengers can take to prevent a rollover is to use seatbelts. According to a recent study published in the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, occupants ejected during a rollover make up around 50 percent of the deaths that result from rollover accidents. The study found that occupant ejection dwarfed all over factors when it comes to rollover survival. Wearing a seatbelt virtually eliminates the possibility of being ejected from the vehicle during a rollover.
Rollover accidents can result in serious physical harm, including brain injury, to both drivers and passengers. Families who have lost a loved one in a rollover may have grounds to file a wrongful death suit. If you or someone you know has suffered injury or death from a rollover crash, an experienced Lewisville car accident attorney at Todd R. Durham Law Firm can help. Call us today at 214-222-4000 to discuss your options.
