Reducing the Risk of a Rollover

Your multi-purpose passenger vehicle is defined as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). SUV’s have higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. The specific design characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary vehicles making them more likely to roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Due to this risk, driver and passengers are strongly recommended to buckle their seat belts. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

There are steps that a driver can make to reduce the risk of a rollover. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, do not load your vehicle with heavy cargo on the roof, and never modify your vehicle in any way.

Some Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) can have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of control:

  • Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.

  • Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers.

  • Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of gravity.

  • Keep tires properly inflated.

  • Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.

Fasten your seat belt properly. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to be seriously injured or killed than a person wearing a seat belt.