A vehicle rollover can be catastrophic for those inside; though cars only roll in three percent of serious accidents, rollovers accounts for a third of all car accident fatalities. However, Connecticut drivers may be pleased to hear that rollover safety is increasing. New federal regulations in 2009 increased the required roof resistance from the original 1973 standard, while the rate of rollover fatalities in new cars dropped by over three quarters between 2000 and 2012.
According to studies, a rollover is caused primarily by three factors: overly high traction, an imbalanced center of gravity and vehicular tripping. In a sharp turn at high speeds, the traction prevents skidding, and the center of gravity shifts outward. If the tires skip on the edge of the road, this sudden change is often enough to cause the automobile to roll.
Rollovers can be avoided by taking a number of precautions. Driving a newer vehicle is one significant way to decrease the chances of a roll — the improved safety mechanisms in recently manufactured cars might be the difference between life and death. Drivers should avoid weighing their vehicles down with excessive loads and make sure that the tires are consistently at their recommended pressure. High-speed driving on country roads is where the majority of rollovers occur, so taking special care on windy roads with narrow shoulders may be essential.
Drivers and passengers who have been injured in car accidents as a result of the negligence of another individual can often obtain compensation for their medical expenses as well as pain and suffering in a personal injury lawsuit. A distracted or reckless driver could be liable for the results of their actions, and with the aid of an attorney, the victim in such an incident may be able to recover significant damages.
