One key way to avoid getting involved in a rollover accident is simply to know why these dangerous crashes happen in the first place. You can then make intentional choices to avoid some of the major risk factors and keep yourself safe.
With that in mind, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has listed out some of the leading risk factors, which are as follows:
- Drivers who break the speed limit, especially when carrying excessive speed into a corner.
- Tall vehicles with a relatively narrow stance, which raises the center of gravity.
- Drivers who make mistakes behind the wheel because they have been drinking.
- Distracted driving, especially when people are on roads they’re familiar with as part of their daily routine.
- Rural roads where the state has set the speed limit at 55 miles per hour; these roads are where the majority of rollover accidents (75%) take place.
Now, it may sound simple to avoid getting into a rollover accident yourself. Pick a smaller vehicle with a lower center of gravity, follow the speed limit, never get distracted behind the wheel, avoid rural roads and never drink and drive.
All of that can lower your personal risks. You could still get injured, however, when another driver loses control and rolls their vehicle into your lane. You also face risks if you are a passenger in a car with a driver who does not take proper safety precautions and rolls that car. If you get injured in an auto accident, you should understand all of the legal options you have to seek compensation.