Rollover accidents do not happen often, but according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, they are the cause of almost 30 percent of the fatalities among people who are riders in passenger vehicles.
While it is true that a rollover can result in devastating injuries or death, there are measures you can take to avoid fatalities from this kind of crash.
Buckling up
Half the fatalities in a rollover occur because people are ejected from the vehicle. There is a simple fix for this: Everyone should wear seat belts. They will keep you and your passengers from being tossed around in a crash.
Checking tires
Tire pressure is important, and you should check it once a month. You should inflate your tires to the level approved by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Positioning loads
Remember not to overload the vehicle and do not put heavy loads on the roof. These belong inside the vehicle, away from the tailgate if there is one, and as close to the center as possible.
Watching the speed
Speed requires more attention from the driver and it increases the tendency of a vehicle to roll over. The federal government reports that excessive speed is a factor in about 40 percent of all rollovers.
Choosing your next vehicle
You may decide to purchase a pre-owned vehicle next time around, but keep in mind that newer is better. Both construction quality and safety features are better on late-model cars. Ask about them. Of particular benefit are vehicles with side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control.
Seeking help
The fact is that any kind of vehicle can roll over given the right set of circumstances. Injuries can be extremely severe, requiring long periods of rehabilitation and recovery. Do everything you can to avoid this kind of crash and keep everyone in the vehicle safer, but remember that if the unexpected occurs, you can rely on the assistance of professionals who can see to your medical and legal needs.