Because vehicle rollovers have a higher fatality rate than other car accidents, they are considered especially dangerous. Even though rollover crashes only account for about 2.1 percent of all vehicle accidents, they are responsible for almost 35 percent of traffic fatalities, according to a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). When does a vehicle rollover take place? Primarily, a rollover occurs when a motor vehicle is tipped — or “rolled” — over onto its side or roof.
There are two types of vehicle rollover crashes, including “tripped” and “untripped.”
- Tripped rollovers result from a high-energy impact with an external force like another vehicle, a truck, or even a curb.
- Untripped – These rollovers result from driver error, a combination of “steering input, speed, and friction with the ground.”
By educating yourself on the possible causes of vehicle rollovers, you can reduce your chances of suffering a severe car accident’s physical, financial, and emotional impact. Some of the most common risk factors involved in rollovers include:
- Type of Vehicle – While almost every type of vehicle has the potential to roll over, some are more at-risk than others. High-risk vehicles tend to be taller and narrower, with high centers of gravity. Some examples of high-risk vehicles include pickup trucks, SUVs, and buses.
- Speed – According to the NHTSA, excessive speeding is common with rollover crashes. In fact, “Some 40 percent of fatal rollover crashes involved excessive speeding,” states the NHTSA.
- Intoxication – It is illegal to drive intoxicated in all fifty states. It is unlawful because alcohol significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, muscle coordination, and focus. The NHTSA states, “Nearly half of all fatal rollover crashes involve alcohol.”
- Rural Roads – Rural roads lack road divides and guardrails, making it difficult for drivers to regain control of their vehicles in high-risk situations. Almost 75 percent of fatal rollovers take place on rural roads.
- Driver Behavior – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal rollover crashes. Often, these crashes only involve a single car — the car that rolls over. Studies have concluded that driver behavior is a potential cause of approximately 85 percent of fatal rollover crashes.
Contact a Rollover Attorney in New York
Were you hurt in a rollover accident caused by a negligent driver, or did your accident happen due to a defectively designed or manufactured vehicle? If so, you have the right to take legal action against those responsible, and the New York rollover accident attorneys will be ready to help fight for the fair compensation you’re owed. Call us at (212) 779-0057 or reach out online today.