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In the 1990’s Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) became the new family car. Sales skyrocketed as SUV’S accounted for 25% of new car sales in 2005. They were the new station wagon and were very popular for drivers from all walks of life. One out of every four drivers owned an SUV. However, these versatile vehicles gained another reputation - as one of the deadliest forms of transportation on America’s highways. SUV Rollover Statistics: • Over 10,000 people are killed in SUV rollover accidents every year.
• 62 percent of all SUV deaths occurring in rollovers - nearly three times the 22 percent rate for cars.
• Ejections account for 63 percent of all fatalities in rollover crashes and often result in costly and debilitating head injuries. (NHTSA)
• SUV rollover rates were responsible for 82% of the increase in traffic fatalities in 2002, the highest level in 12 years. SUV Characteristics Because of their size and weight, SUV’s have a higher center of gravity, demand higher clearance and are top-heavy. All these attributes lead to risky driving especially in hazardous situations. Ironically, many buyers say they feel more protected in SUVs because they’re heavier and higher than other vehicles. But what makes these drivers feel safe is what makes the SUV unsafe. The greatest danger of these vehicles occurs when a driver needs to take quick corrective action to avoid an accident. When a driver quickly forces the SUV in the opposite direction of a hazard, the SUV is susceptible to a deadly rollover. When a driver loses control of his/her SUV, the incident results in a rollover 90% of the time. SUV Rollover Causes Manufacturers customized these off-road vehicles to accommodate buyer’s booming demand for a family-friendly transportation. Faulty design is the leading contributor to SUV rollover accidents: • Few SUV’s provide protective roll bars in the front and back of the vehicle designed to prevent the roof from collapsing and “matchboxing” the SUV and its contents.
• Manufacturing defects including weak roofs and failing safety restrains.
• Weak window glass results in partial or complete passenger ejection
• These safety hazards have resulted in low protection rankings set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – most SUV’s earn a below average score of 2 stars. Victims of SUV rollover accidents can be trapped or tossed out of the SUV and be severely injured or even killed. If you or a loved one as been involved in an SUV Rollover accident, please contact the personal injury specialists at The Shelnutt Law Firm in Gadsden, Alabama. We’ll work to get the compensation you need to recover medical and all other damages resulting from your accident.
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