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Highway rollover crashes are among the most violent types of vehicle accidents that you could experience. Fortunately, you are far more likely to be involved in a minor fender bender than this type of crash. But, it is still important to be aware of the potential risk of having your vehicle rollover so that you can take steps to stay safer on the highway.
The higher speeds that are involved in highway driving can contribute to the severity of car accidents. You are also more likely to encounter situations that require you to act quickly, and moving your vehicle abruptly to avoid a road hazard could be all it takes to send your car careening off the side of the road.
Knowing the causes of highway rollover crashes can also help you keep an eye on the other vehicles around you. Noticing that a vehicle is about to perform a maneuver that could lead to a rollover helps you move away from the hazard faster. As you read through these common causes of highway rollover crashes, remember that you can do many things to stay safer on the roads by simply adjusting your behaviors as a driver and car owner.
Pay Attention to Dangerous Road Conditions
Many highways lack proper maintenance, or they could develop major problems that you encounter before state or other local officials can address the situation. Uneven pavement is a common contributor to rollovers, since this road condition already puts one side of your vehicle higher than the other. Slowing down in construction areas or near unmaintained highway shoulders can help you avoid this hazard.
Sharp curves are another common road hazard that increases the risk of rollovers at high speeds. On top of making it harder to see the road far ahead, curves can also throw your vehicle slightly off balance. When you are traveling at safer speeds, your car’s tires and suspension system help to prevent it from tipping over. However, driving too fast can cause your car to lose its center of gravity and flip off the road.
Sometimes, rain or frozen precipitation can make the surface of the highway slippery. When this happens, hitting your brakes too hard or sliding during a slight curve could cause your car to gain speed and lose its balance at the same time. Learning how to handle a skid could potentially prevent you from overmaneuvering your vehicle to the point that it flips.
Know Your Vehicle’s Rollover Risk
Certain vehicle models are simply more likely to roll over due to their higher center of gravity. Pickup trucks and vans are common vehicles to see in rollover accidents, but these types of crashes are also becoming more common among traditional families and commuters.
The growing popularity of SUVs means that parents, office commuters and other people are finding that their daily vehicle has a high rollover risk. Fortunately, you don’t have to opt out of driving a comfortable SUV that has the space you need. Instead, it is best to focus on practicing safe driving habits. Making sure to put your children in car seats and ask all other passengers to wear a seatbelt could prevent serious injuries during a rollover.
If you frequently rent vehicles for travel or business, then it also helps to check the rollover risk. Knowing that you have a higher risk of rolling over can help motivate you to watch your speed and double-check the tire pressure and other safety features before you leave the lot.
Avoid Making Common Driver Errors and Overcorrections
Single vehicle rollovers commonly occur when a car runs off the road and hits an object that essentially trips it and makes it roll. Sometimes, this might be unavoidable. For instance, you might need to swerve off the road to avoid hitting another car. But, running into a ditch or hitting a curb might send your vehicle flying.
Speeding makes your vehicle harder to control. Although an open freeway may look safe enough to increase your vehicle’s speed, the truth is that you never know what might be lurking up the road. Other vehicles speeding could also pose a risk for your car rolling over if they perform maneuvers that put you in harm’s way. Noticing what is happening around you can help you move to another lane to avoid being too close to an unsafe driver.
Distracted driving is another common reason for overcorrections. Looking up from your screen in time to see a car stopping in front of you could cause you to steer too hard in an attempt to change lanes. Making sure to keep your eyes on the road can help you avoid overcorrecting to the point that your vehicle rolls.
Many vehicle rollovers are also caused by impaired drivers. If you notice that someone appears to be driving while under the influence, then do your best to leave lots of room between you and their vehicle in case they rollover. The same is also true if you notice a car with a flat tire or bad suspension that could cause it to tip out of balance at highway speeds.
The possibility of sustaining serious bodily injuries increases once a vehicle flips off its tires. Highway rollover crashes often cause severe injuries due to the roof or sides of the car being crushed to the point that they no longer provide protection. Although wearing a seatbelt is beneficial for preventing major injuries during rollovers, the force of the vehicle’s movement could still cause your body to get tossed around.
Maintaining your vehicle can help you avoid preventable issues such as tire blowouts, and you always want to adjust your driving speed and other habits to accommodate changing road conditions. While these strategies help, you’ll also want to prepare for handling the worst-case scenario.
Seeking medical attention, gathering details about the accident and talking to knowledgeable team of car accident attorneys once you’ve treated your injuries are all essential steps to take after a rollover incident. While most people will avoid ever being put in this type of situation, it helps to know that there are ways to promote a stronger recovery should the worst happen when you’re traveling on the highway.
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