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How Can Louisiana Motorists Avoid Vehicle Rollovers?

In 2009, over 8,200 of the 23,382 people killed in vehicle accidents were involved in a rollover crash. This represents more than one third of all traffic accident fatalities, even though rollovers only occur in about 3 percent of the crashes.

The above statistics show Louisiana motorists how deadly rollovers are, and how avoidable, since most of the victims were killed because they had not been wearing a seatbelt, and were ejected from the rolling vehicle.

How do rollovers happen?

When a vehicle turns, sideways forces shift the center of gravity to the outer side of the vehicle, which has a dramatic effect on the vehicle's balance.

This lateral force increases with speed, and with the sharpness of the turn. If a driver turns right first, and overcorrects by sharply turning left, the transition sets up a pendulum effect that makes the imbalance even worse.

Rollover accidents are usually not caused by a steering maneuver only. In many cases, what triggers the rollover is when the vehicle "trips" on something, a curb, a pothole or a soft roadside shoulder. Sometimes, the tripping effect is caused when the vehicle leans sideways to such an extent that a tire's sidewall deforms and the wheel rim strikes the pavement.

Is your sedan likely to roll over?

Any vehicle can roll over, but some are more likely to do it than others. Taller vehicles like SUVs, vans and pickup trucks have a higher center of gravity and are thus more top-heavy. Add to this that these vehicles often carry more passengers or heavier loads, bringing the center of gravity further up, and the centrifuge effect in a curve will shift the center of gravity dangerously towards the outside of the turning vehicle, causing it to tip up.

This doesn't happen nearly as easily with cars that are either lower or wider, or both.

How to avoid rollover crashes in Louisiana?

The first rule is to understand that a heavy load makes your vehicle more prone to rollovers. Drive much more slowly if you carry heavy loads and many passengers.

The second rule is to wear a seatbelt at all times, whether you are in the front or in the back. Most rollover fatalities result from unrestrained occupants being ejected from the vehicle.

The third rule is, when you buy a new or second-hand vehicle, check its rollover ratings.

If you have been hurt in a Louisiana car crash, contact the New Orleans car accident attorneys of the Young Firm in New Orleans immediately for a free, no-commitment evaluation of your case.

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