ALT-1 Driver Safety how to Prevent a Rollover
Preventing Vehicular Rollover Crashes and Injuries
Your chance of having a rollover accident can be greatly reduced long before you are in a hazardous situation. The type of vehicle you drive and how you maintain it have a great deal to do with the chances of a rollover accident. Here are three things to consider when choosing your daily transportation.
1. Center of gravity. What is a vehicles center of gravity? Imagine if you could pick up your car, turn it on its side and set it lengthwise on top of a fence. There would be a point at which the vehicle would balance on the fence without falling on either side. This point is the center of gravity. The higher up the center of gravity, the better the chances of a rollover.
This is why statistics show taller vehicles, like vans and SUVs, have a much higher rollover record during accidents. It is also why sports cars and race cars are built as low to the ground as possible. The lower a vehicle's center of gravity, the better chance it has of remaining on its wheels during an accident or fast cornering.
2. Wheel base. The wheel base of a vehicle is the distance between the tires. The wider the wheel base the more stable the automobile will be. Drive a vehicle with a narrow wheel base and a high center of gravity and you have a recipe for disaster.
3. Loading the vehicle. Many autos today have roof racks that can be used to carry cargo. It is important not to place too much weight this high on the vehicle as it raises the center of gravity and increases the chances of a rollover. When loading your car, keep the heaviest cargo as low as possible. If you must carry a heavy load on the roof, drive slowly and carefully around corners.
Preventing rollover crashes while driving requires reflexes and skill. Drive defensively and avoid making drastic maneuvers. If you must jerk the wheel in either direction, try to correct as quickly as possible once you have avoided the hazard. The less you change direction, the less chance of a rollover.
If you find yourself on two wheels try not to panic (yah, right!). If possible, steer in the direction you are leaning. Think of your car as an airplane. If you're leaning to the right, turn to the right, and vice versa. (I had to do this only once in my driving career, but it did work and my vehicle returned to its four wheels and did not roll.)
Wear your seatbelt. Many times when there is a roll over, occupants are thrown from the vehicle and suffer serious injury or death. Most autos have a strong roof that will protect you if you remain in your seat. The only way to assure this is to wear your seatbelt. When a vehicle is rolling over, the forces generated are much greater than a carnival ride, yet how many of us would frequent a carnival ride without some sort of safety restraint?
Buy a safe vehicle, load it correctly, drive defensively, and wear your seatbelt and you'll have done all you can to prevent a rollover crash and injuries.
