Overturned Propane Truck Highlights the Risks of Rollover Accidents

Houstonians understand the risks presented by rollover accidents. A recent local accident involving a propane truck rollover that closed down a Loop 610 ramp drove home the dangers of such accidents. Consumer Reports deems such accidents among the deadliest on the road. Even though rollovers comprise only about three percent of all serious vehicle accidents, they are responsible for roughly 30 percent of all passenger vehicle accident fatalities.

While any vehicle can roll over, vehicles that are higher and narrower are at greater risk. The higher a vehicle’s center of gravity, the greater its risk of rolling over in an accident. According to Consumer Reports, most single-vehicle rollovers are caused by “trips” and not by faulty steering by the driver. Trips include running into a curb, a pothole, or a soft road shoulder. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 95 percent of rollovers are the result of such “trips.”

Tips for avoiding a rollover accident

Consumer Reports discusses a number of steps you can take to keep you and your passengers safe from rollover accidents. While some of the tips are more expensive and complicated than others, each step you can take will help decrease your chances of being involved in a rollover accident. They include:

Upgrade your car: Newer vehicles have better quality and safety systems, including electronic stability control and side airbags. Choose a vehicle with the most up-to-date safety systems.

Wear safety belts: Seat belts will help keep you from being thrown about or out of the vehicle in the event of a rollover crash—about half of rollover fatalities occur when people are partly or completely ejected from the vehicle.

Keep the right tire pressure: Make sure all of your tires have proper tread and are inflated to the recommended pressure.

Don’t overload your vehicle: Overloading any vehicle, particularly SUVs and pickups, decreases its stability. Avoid putting heavy loads on the roof, which contributes greatly to instability.

Don’t speed: Higher speeds enhance a vehicle's tendency to roll over—approximately 40 percent of fatal rollovers involve excessive speed.

Take it easy on those country roads: Almost three-quarters of fatal rollovers occur in rural areas on roads where the speed limit is 55 mph or more. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, those roads tend to be undivided highways without barriers.

Call our office today to speak with a Houston truck accident lawyer

You can do everything right and things will still go wrong. You may be injured in a rollover accident through no fault of your own, with injuries that could be life-long and dramatically impact your quality of life. If you have been injured in an accident that you believe was caused by the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Stewart J. Guss, attorney at law, or send us an email through our online contact form.