MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. Will Ferrell made national news last week after he was involved in a rollover SUV accident that left two people injured. CNN reports that the SUV in which Ferrell was riding was struck by another vehicle. When the vehicle was struck, it hit the median, and then overturned. Two other people in the vehicle were hospitalized, but were reported to be in stable condition. Ferrell’s accident highlights the real risk of rollover accidents.
Any vehicle can roll over, but what factors can make it more likely that a crash will lead to a rollover? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers some insights about what factors can lead to a vehicle rollover.
- Vehicle type. SUVs are more at risk of rolling over in an accident because they are taller and narrower than other vehicle types. This changes the car’s center of gravity.
- Higher speeds can lead to the kind of forces that can result in a vehicle rollover.
- Distracted driving. When drivers are distracted and the road curves, the speed and the unexpected change in direction can result in a crash that leads to a rollover.
- Single-vehicle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 85% of rollover crashes involve only a single vehicle. This suggests that the actions a single driver takes behind the wheel can impact whether or not an accident takes place.
- The NHTSA reports that half of vehicle rollover crashes involve alcohol use.
Vehicle rollovers can occur because a driver loses control of the vehicle. Distracted driving and alcohol use can lead to the kind of impairment that might lead a driver to make a deadly mistake.
There are also several types of vehicle rollover accidents. The most common kind of vehicle rollover occurs when a car leaves the highway and essentially “trips.” The changed traction from the roadway to the soft soil can cause a vehicle to tip. Another type of rollover accident occurs when a vehicle hits a guardrail. The vehicle can ride up the guardrail, like a ramp, causing it to fly through the air and rollover. Another type of rollover accident can occur if a driver makes a sudden sharp turn while a vehicle is moving at a fast speed, it can cause the vehicle to tip over, resulting in a rollover. This kind of rollover can also happen if an SUV attempts to quickly avoid a collision at a high speed, resulting in a tip.
So, what can you do to stay safe? Drive slowly. Pay attention to the road. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive while fatigued. And be aware of road hazards, like narrow roads and curves.
The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino are car accident attorneys in Minneapolis, Minnesota who work with victims who have suffered serious accidents as a result of another person’s neglect or negligence. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, consider reaching out to our personal injury lawyers today at https://martinmontilino.com/. We are here to help you.
The Law Office Of Martin T. Montilino, LLC
3109 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 236-1320
