Rollover accidents are one of the least common types of car crashes. However, they are particularly severe, with one of the highest fatality rates. It should be noted that the majority of rollover fatalities affected people who were not wearing their seatbelts. The simple act of buckling up is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself on the roadways. You can also be aware of the following possible causes of rollover accidents so that you can more easily avoid them.
Center of Gravity
Any type of vehicle could potentially roll over if the driver loses control. However, it’s most common for vehicles with a high center of gravity to roll over. SUVs, vans, pickup trucks, and big rigs all have a high center of gravity due to their height. This makes them particularly vulnerable to rollover crashes, especially if the driver attempts to navigate a turn too quickly.
Speed
Nearly half of all rollover crashes are at least partially attributed to inappropriately high speeds. It’s important to note that one can drive within the legal speed limit and still be driving too fast for the conditions of the road. If the weather is severe and visibility is poor, you should lower your speed to reduce the risk of a fatal rollover crash.
Alcohol
People often think that they can consume one or two alcoholic beverages and still drive perfectly fine. In fact, even a small amount of alcohol can significantly impair your ability to drive safely. Because alcohol impairs your vision, hand-eye coordination, and judgment, it doesn’t take much alcohol to result in a fatal rollover accident.
Driver Distraction
The majority of rollover accidents are single-vehicle crashes that occurred when the driver was executing a routine driving behavior. This suggests that drivers are often to blame for these accidents, and distracted driving can be a major factor. Always put your cellphone in silent mode while driving to avoid the temptation to check your texts or calls.
If you do become involved in a rollover crash, Barnett’s Towing, LLC is available around the clock to assist you. Our professional tow truck drivers respond to crashes throughout Arizona any time of the day or night. Just call our friendly dispatch team at (800) 722-2302.