Sport utility vehicles, also known as SUVs, have become increasingly popular for families with children. The SUV offers families extra seating room and luggage space, which makes for an ideal family car. Popularity for SUVs has grown dramatically over the last decade, which has prompted most auto manufacturers to create some type of SUV. Originally, the SUV was designed as an off-road vehicle, but since the demand has shifted, the roll bars that protect drivers and passengers in a rollover accident have been removed.

Today, SUVs have the highest rate of deaths occurring in rollovers. Vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4-Runner, Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport, have all been involved in rollover crashes that resulted in serious injuries and death. It has been estimated that SUV rollovers are nearly three times more likely to take place than the average passenger vehicle. Even though rollover crashes are not as common as other auto accidents, these crashes often result in serious injuries or death.

What causes an SUV to rollover?
The majority of SUV rollover accidents occur after the vehicle runs off the road. This situation is generally the result of the driver losing control of the vehicle. A ditch, soft soil, curb or other factor can initiate the rollover accident once the SUV is off the pavement.

Many SUV rollovers are also due to the size and height of these vehicles. When an SUV is steered hard to avoid a foreseeable danger, it can increase the chance of the vehicle to rollover. Other causes of SUV rollovers are associated with auto defects, such as weak roofs and safety restraint system failures. In 2005, Toyota Motor Corp. recalled 880,000 SUVs and pickup trucks after a defect was detected that could affect steering.

How can SUV rollover accidents be prevented?
Driver speed has been linked to SUV rollovers. In fact, research has shown that 40 percent of fatal rollover accidents were associated with excessive speed and nearly two-thirds of rollovers happened in an area where the speed limit was 55 miles per hour or higher. Some experts believe that when a driver is not paying attention to the road it can significantly increase the risk of a serious rollover.

To prevent SUV rollover accidents, drivers must focus on the task of driving while behind the wheel and avoid any distractions. It is also crucial to adhere to speed limits to protect the safety of the SUV occupants. Consumers should stay updated on auto recalls, which can be accomplished by visiting the Office of Defects Investigations’ website.

If you have been involved in a rollover accident either caused by another driver or a defect in the vehicle, contact the Massachusetts car accident attorneys at Thomas M. Kiley & Associates at (800) 930-8145.

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