Preventing Rollover Accidents

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Rollover accidents are some of the most deadly, as Kevin found out when he was coming home from a weekend at the lake. He veered off the road at one point, so he readjusted to stay in his lane, but he overcorrected. His Jeep rolled over several times and tragically, he did not survive. 

What is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident is a type of car crash where the car falls onto its side or the roof. More than 10,000 lives are lost each year from rollover accidents. A rollover accident can happen in any vehicle, but taller vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, and vans, are more susceptible. 

There are two main types of rollover accidents:

1. Tripped: This type of rollover accident occurs when an object other than the car itself is directly involved. Tripped rollover accidents can happen when drivers drive off the road onto softer ground and turn too sharply, because the tires dig into the ground and trip the car into rolling. Another way for tripped rollover accidents to happen is by driving one side of the car into something like a guardrail on the road, which can cause a car to become airborne and land in a rollover crash. Steep slopes can increase chances of tripped rollover accidents.
2. Un-tripped: This type of rollover accident is less common than the first, but just as deadly. Un-tripped rollover accidents can happen when a top-heavy car swerves on the road while driving at a high speed. 

Prevention
When it comes to rollover accidents, there is not much that can be done other than avoiding situations that cause the crash itself. Make sure you know your vehicle and are aware if it is more susceptible to rollover accidents. Take extra caution turning corners, don't overload your vehicle, and give yourself enough room and time to break when coming to a stop.

Being contained securely inside the vehicle in a rollover accident is crucial. Side airbags that protect your head are especially helpful for this kind of crash, and so is a good seat belt that is designed to hold passengers away from the roof and firmly in their seats. If you are to have a rollover car crash, having your seat belt on will greatly reduce the likelihood and severity of your injuries.

Always be an attentive driver - drive defensively, be aware of your surroundings, avoid distractions, and stay buckled!

• Defensive Driving Tips

  

  Another way to avoid a serious accident, like a rollover, is to drive defensively and always be aware of your surroundings.

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• Avoid the 3Ds

  

  Risky driving causes accidents to happen. Don’t drive drunk, drowsy or distracted and check out these facts.

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• Auto Scenarios: What If

  

  Knowing what causes a rollover accident is important and so is knowing some auto accident scenarios.

  See Scenarios