Roll-overs are one of the most dangerous types of accidents that happen on the road. When they happen, they’ll affect you and other pedestrians. Fortunately, you can avoid them if you know their causes.
This article outlines some causes of roll-over accidents and how to avoid them.
- Exceeding Speed Limits
If you are an inexperienced driver, it is most important to learn the speed limits in your area not to exceed them. When you go too fast and lose control of your car’s direction, this can cause a roll-over accident.
Research shows that roll-over accidents account for one in five fatalities and are the third leading cause of death in motor vehicle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also estimates that some 70% of these accidents happen because drivers lose control when their vehicles go off-road or hit an obstacle — usually another car or tree.
Driving at the right speed limit can prevent roll-overs. Always check out for speed signs as you drive. That way, you will stay under the speed limit.
- Poorly Inflated Tyres
If your car has a poorly inflated tire, it may roll-over. Under-inflated tires account for a high percentage of roll-over accidents. Check your tires regularly for signs of damage and make sure they are inflated correctly. You can also get an app on your phone that checks pressure, so you don’t need to stop.
Remember to keep your car in good working condition with regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other inspections recommended by the manufacturer’s guidelines.7
TIP: In case you’re involved in a roll-over accident, it’s best to contact a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer such as McCormick & Murphy, P.C.
- Alcohol And Drugs
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 16% of all fatal accidents involve a driver who has consumed some amount of alcohol before driving.
What’s more, up to one-third (35%) use marijuana, and over half (54%) use other substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, or prescription medication without realizing how it can impair their ability to drive safely.
Marijuana slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and decreases coordination, leading to bad decisions about speed and distance. Alcohol consumption can also make drivers underestimate distances between themselves and others on the road – resulting in roll-overs and potentially deadly collisions with pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers.
When alcohol is mixed with prescription medications or over-the-counter substances like pain relievers, it increases the risk of an accident tremendously.
- Vehicle Defects
Vehicle defects are also a notorious source of roll-over accidents. However, vehicle manufacturers are trying to limit the risk by using engineering methods to reduce these incidences and make vehicles safer.
They’re using different strategies to improve safety for potential drivers. Some of these techniques include;
-Engineering features that help distribute weight evenly across all four tires
-Designing cars with lower center-of-gravity, heights, or strong bumper reinforcement
- Falling Asleep At The Wheel
Falling asleep at the wheel can also cause roll-overs. Some drivers cannot stay awake when driving on a straight stretch of highway with no obstacles and minimal traffic, especially at night. This may be caused by several factors, such as not sleeping well before the night shift or overworking. To avoid this type of accident:
– Drive for short periods to allow your body time to rest before getting back onto the road.
-Take scheduled breaks every two hours. Find a safe place to stop and take a break (e.g., pull over into a parking lot)
– Use cruise control on long stretches if you can’t take any other kind of break while driving.
The Bottom Line
Roll-over accidents can happen to anyone, and many things can cause them. As a driver, you always need to be careful if you’re mindful of other road users. If you understand these causes and be committed to avoid them, the road will be a safer place for everyone.
