Despite overall improvements in traffic safety over the last few decades, rollover crashes continue to be a major source of death and injury on the roads and highways of the United States and in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. This threat is related to the nature of the crashes and to the vehicles involved in them, according to statistics from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Growing Incidence of Rollover Crashes in RI
Based on NHTSA data, only three percent of the traffic accidents occurring in the United States in 2000 involved the vehicle rolling over on or rolling off the road. Nevertheless, almost one in three of the fatal crashes during the same year were of this type of accident.
Rollover accident in RI
Although occupant deaths in rollovers involving passenger cars actually declined during the last decade of the 20th century, fatalities in rollover crashes involving light trucks significantly increased during the same period of time. The increase in fatal rollover crashes was particularly noticeable in accidents involving sport utility vehicles, which in the NHTSA study were classified as trucks. In fact, the number of SUV rollover crashes that resulted in fatalities more than doubled during the decade starting in 1990. The NHTSA attributes the rise in the number of fatal rollover accidents to the increase in the number of light trucks on the road rather than deficiencies in the design and manufacture of these types of vehicles.
The Dangers of a Rollover Accident
The increased risk of death or serious injury in a Rhode Island rollover roof crush crash is obviously related to the violent nature of such an accident. However, there are a number facts surrounding rollover crashes that may not be so obvious. Most rollovers are single-vehicle accidents and the vast majority involve the ejection of the occupants from the car or truck. Nearly 75 percent of the victims killed in these accidents were not properly restrained in the vehicle. The drivers of the vehicles involved were overwhelmingly male and under the age of 40, and a significant number of them were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. In nearly half of the rollover crashes, the driver was attempting to avoid an accident and the avoidance maneuver actually contributed to the rollover.
Whether they are drivers or passengers, a victims of a RI and MA rollover accident will probably require proper legal representation in Rhode island and Providence Plantations. It is these individuals who need the assistance of a Massachusetts and Rhode island Personal injury attorney. Looking for an AFFF foam attorney?Rollover accident information for this account was obtained from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
“A woman in her twenties is dead after a rollover accident on the 190-South off ramp at Elm Street on Friday morning. New York State Police said the accident happened at 7 a.m. The car struck a guide rail on the off ramp, leading to a rollover accident. The driver of the vehicle was ejected from the car and was found dead atop of the Buffalo News building in Downtown Buffalo.” Radio
Vehicle flips over onto its roof or side
A rollover accident is a type of motor vehicle accident in which a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side. These accidents can be particularly dangerous and are often associated with a higher risk of injury or fatality due to the forces involved. Rollover accidents can occur in various types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and even buses, but they are more common in taller vehicles with a higher center of gravity.
There are two main categories of rollover accidents:
- Tripped Rollovers: These are the most common type of rollover accidents and typically occur when a vehicle leaves the roadway and encounters a tripping mechanism that causes it to roll over. Common tripping mechanisms include curbs, guardrails, ditches, or soft soil. When a vehicle’s tires strike one of these objects or surfaces, it can destabilize the vehicle and initiate the rollover.
- Untripped Rollovers: These rollovers occur without the involvement of external factors like obstacles or other vehicles. They are typically caused by factors such as high-speed turns, abrupt steering maneuvers, or the vehicle’s design and handling characteristics. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, like SUVs, are more prone to untripped rollovers.
Rollover accidents can result in serious injuries to the vehicle occupants, including head and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Seat belts, airbags, and vehicle safety features can help reduce the severity of injuries in rollover accidents. However, it’s essential to drive cautiously, avoid abrupt steering maneuvers, and maintain proper tire pressure and vehicle maintenance to reduce the risk of rollovers.
Rollover accidents can be investigated by law enforcement and insurance companies to determine the cause and liability for the accident. If you are involved in a rollover accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and consult with legal professionals if necessary to protect your rights and interests.