Vehicle Rollover Prevention Tips
A Message from Trial Masters
Vehicle rollover accidents have the highest level of fatalities of any car accident. A vehicle rollover accident is defined as when a vehicle turns over onto either its side or roof; it could make 1 or more “rolls.” There are many factors that go into a vehicle rollover accident, and studies and data show that many vehicle rollover accidents are preventable. This article will discuss some tips that you can take to minimize your chance of being involved in a vehicle rollover accident.
The following are Trial Masters’ tips to avoid a vehicle rollover accident:
1. Choose the right vehicle.
The type of vehicle you drive plays no small part in vehicle rollover accidents. This makes sense. Vehicles that are more top heavy are far more likely to tip over. Top heavy vehicles include very popular SUVs and the like. We recognize that SUVs are nice to drive and very aesthetically pleasing, but when you chose to buy and drive one, make sure you are exercising caution, as you are more likely to be involved in a rollover accident.
2. Don’t speed.
Speeding kills. There are reasons why speed limits are posted. These numbers are not arbitrarily assigned by some bureaucrat; these numbers are calculated by engineers, scientists, and other experts. Any speed above the posted speed limit is too fast for the area. Going in excess of the speed limit significantly increases your chances of being involved in a car accident, including rollover accidents. In fact, according to SaferCar.GOV, a website ran by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Fatal rollover crashes are speed-related more often than fatal non-rollover crashes. Some 40% of fatal rollover crashes involved excessive speeding. Additionally, nearly ¾ of fatal rollovers took place where the posted speed limit was 55 miles per hour or higher.”
3. Only drive when sober.
This should go without saying, but each year, there are thousands of car accidents caused by alcohol. Alcohol significantly increases your chances of being involved in a car accident, especially a rollover accident. It is not shocking that, according to SafeCar.GOV, “Nearly half of all fatal rollover crashes involve alcohol. Impairment can result from any blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above .00. Even a small amount of alcohol will negatively affect your judgment, muscular coordination, and vision, making you more likely to lose control of your vehicle.” These numbers are awful. And almost every one of these deaths could have been prevented if the driver had made better choices. Just don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth it.
4. Focus on driving.
Distracted driving numbers have been increasing in the past years. Distracted driving is any type of driving in which you are not fully focused on operating your vehicle. Oftentimes, this is manifested in texting while driving, which is now against the law in the state of Idaho. However, it is, by no means, limited to just texting. If you want to prevent a rollover accident (especially if you are driving a top heavy vehicle) put all of your attention on driving, not something else.
Trial Masters strongly recommends that everyone exercise caution when driving. There are far too many devastating accidents each year. However, if you are involved in an accident, reach out to our office. We are an experienced team that will take the time to give you a personalized legal game plan. We care about our clients and will ensure they get justice and the compensation they deserve when the accident was due to another individual’s recklessness, carelessness, or negligence.