SUV Rollover Facts

>>>SUV AOLL-OVERS ARE THEY STILL A PROBLEM? SÚVS are one of the most popular vehicles on the road in North America. Yet, they are often cited as being prone to roll-overs. If you own one or are pondering making an SUV you're next family vehicle, you should be aware of the following statistics: An estimated 70,000 SUVS ROLL-OVER each year in the U.S. 1 out of 4 new vehicles sold in the U.S. is an SUV. R.I.P. Single-vehicle roll-overs cause 1/4 of motor vehicle fatalities 3 out of 4 fatal roll-overs, the victims were ejected from the vehicle, indicating they yearly in the U.S. weren't wearing their seat belt. ARE SUVS PAONE TO ROLL-OVEAS? According to engineers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra- tion (NHTSA)... ...any vehicle can roll over. However, taller, narrower vehicles such as SUVS, pickups, and vans are more susceptible than traditional cars are because they have a higher center of gravity and thus are more top-heavy. WORST AATED VEHICLES 2012 Dodge 2012 Chevrolet 2012 Mazda Ram 1500 Colorado CX-7 According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Consumer Reports, the National Highway Transportation and Safety Adminis- tration and consumer analyst JD Power, the following vehicles are at the top of the "Worst Cars" list in terms of safety. 2012 Nissan 2012 Jeep 2012 Suzuki Pathfinder Wrangler SX4 «««««<<« BEST RATED VEHICLES 2012 Buick 2012 Cadillac 2012 Chevrolet Enclave SRX Traverse The following vehicles received both an overall 5-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 2013 Ford 2012 GMC 2012 Honda Explorer Acadia CR-V SUVS manufactured AFTER 2004 are LESS LIKELY TO ROLL OVER SUVS manufactured BEFORE 2004 are MORE LIKELY TO ROLL OVER WHAT HAVE AUTO MAKERS DONE TO ADDRESS THIS? Since 2004, all SUV manufac- turers in the U.S. have added a WITHOUT ESC computer system to the their vehicles called the Electronic WITH ESC Stability Control (ESC), which helps drivers maintain control during abrupt maneuvers and on slippery roads. Compensating movement Breaking Force The ESC has greatly reduced the tendency of SUVS to skid and flip over. The roll-over fatality rate based on the number of registered passen- ger vehicles (1-3 years old) in the fleet has declined from... 27 driver deaths driver deaths per million registered per million registered vehicles in 211 vehicles in 2000 WHAT CAN DRIVERS DO TO REDUCE ROLL-OVERS? Never drive under the influ- Drive with ence of alcohol caution and or other illegal slow down on substances or rural roads. when exces- sively drowsy. Be cautious when loading Check the your SUV. Load evenly on both sides, front to ARAIN condition of SUV tires regularly and repair/replace balding tires. back to even out the higher center of grav- ity that makes an SUV prone to tipping. If you feel yourself losing control of the vehicle, reduce speeds and pull Jover until you Don't speed. compose yourself. BACHUS & SCHANKER, LLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW www.coloradolaw.net SOURCES http://www.coloradolaw.net/blog/car-accidents-2/6-ways-to-prevent-suv-roll-overs-on-the-roads-866929/ http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/: /28003 nttp://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/02/rollover-101/index.htm -rollover-accidents-explained.htm http://www.nydalynews.com/autos/drive-risk-dodge-ram-named-dangerous-car-america-24-7-wall-st-article-11088385 http://autos. jdpower.com/content/buying-tip/P6X73Hg/safest-suvs-and-minivans-for-2012.htm http://www.ihs.org/research/ganda/rolover.aspx