Rollovers are among the most common single-vehicle crashes, though they do often involve more than one car. Drivers in Kentucky should know that the way they interact with their vehicle and their surroundings will have a lot of influence on their risk for a rollover.
Alcohol and speed are two of the leading factors in rollover crashes. Regarding the first, it can affect drivers even when they have not reached a blood alcohol concentration of .08. A couple drinks may impair one’s vision, muscle coordination and attention span.
As for speed, it’s involved in some 40% of fatal rollovers. It contributes to more fatal rollovers than to any other type of fatal auto accident. Three-fourths of fatal rollovers occur in areas where the posted speed limit is set at 55 mph or faster.
Vehicle type and the location can make a rollover more likely, too. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, which include pickups, vans and SUVs, are especially vulnerable. Rural roads where the lanes are not divided, barriers are lacking and the speed limits are high see a significant number of rollovers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some 90% of vehicles in fatal rollovers were involved in ordinary driving maneuvers prior to the crash. These maneuvers include traveling straight and moving along curves.
Occupants of other vehicles who have been injured in a rollover accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver often incur significant injuries that require expensive medical treatment. In many cases they are unable to return to work, and the resulting lost wages further damage their financial condition. They might want to have the help of an attorney when they are seeking compensation for the losses that they have incurred.
