Rollover Crashes

Rollover crashes are very dangerous events. Eight percent of cars and light trucks in crashes roll over. Yet 21 percent of seriously injured occupants and 31 percent of occupant fatalities occur in rollover crashes. Although any vehicle can roll over, taller vehicles that have higher centers of gravity are more likely to be in rollover crashes.

That's why it's very important to understand that taller vehicles, like SUVs and pickup trucks, handle differently than a car. Drivers should watch their speeds in taller vehicles and avoid making sharp or sudden turning maneuvers, which contribute to rollover crashes. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, look for one with electronic stability control - an anti-roll feature that would prevent more than half of all rollovers and other out-of-control situations.

Because all vehicles can roll over, safety belt use is critical in these crashes. The rollover itself often is survivable, but only if lap/shoulder belts are used to minimize the consequences of what is a very violent event. Yet crash data show that 75 percent of the people who die in rollover crashes were not wearing safety belts. Remember, you can't chose what kind of crash you might be in, so make sure that your vehicle doesn't move until you and all your passengers are buckled up.

Learn more about Safety Belts:

• The Facts
• Belt Use Laws
• Why Is Safety Belt Use So Important?
• Why Don't People Wear Safety Belts?
• Good Reasons For Wearing Safety Belts
• Tips for Proper Safety Belt Use