Reducing the Risk of a Rollover

Your multi-purpose passenger vehicle is defined as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Some SUVs 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 can give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary passenger vehicles making them more likely to roll over if you make abrupt turns. SUVs have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Always make sure you and your passengers wear your seat belts properly and securely. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to be seriously injured or killed 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.

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.
Some 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.