Rollover crashes are one of the scariest experiences anyone can have on the road. Although they make up only a small fraction of total crashes, they still account for a good chunk of passenger vehicle fatalities.
Thankfully, in recent years, they haven’t been as fatal as they used to be. Data shows that rollover fatalities dropped by 10% in 2023 when compared to the previous year. In raw numbers, that was 745 fewer deaths than in 2022.
But here’s the good news: your odds of surviving a rollover can increase significantly with the right awareness, habits, and preparation. This guide breaks down exactly what you can do before and during a crash to raise your chances of walking away from a rollover event.
#1. Never Underestimate the Seat Belt
Just recently, an SUV in Edwardsville flipped and crashed on southbound Interstate 55 after a collision with another vehicle. Thankfully, there were no fatalities from this incident. The victims are now probably recovering and talking to a car accident lawyer in Edwardsville to sort out post-crash logistics, but they are incredibly lucky.
Rollover crashes are often extremely dangerous, and as TorHoerman Law highlights, without seatbelts, the victims are often pronounced dead. The NHTSA also notes that in 2023, nearly 50% of people killed in crashes died because they weren’t buckled in. Thankfully, most people understand this as seat belt usage sat around the 91.2% mark in 2024.
No other safety feature, not even airbags or vehicle design, has saved more lives. In rollover scenarios, the seat belt keeps you inside the survival space of the vehicle. It’s also worth noting that airbags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them, so don’t just rely on airbags to save you.
#2. Be Extra Careful of Turns and Weight Balance
Many rollovers happen due to human error, particularly overcorrecting after drifting off the road, taking a turn too fast, or reacting sharply to an obstacle. Sudden turns are particularly dangerous for tall vehicles or when the center of gravity (C.O.G.) has shifted due to roof cargo.
This becomes even more relevant for drivers of SUVs, of which there are many.
SUVs are incredibly popular in America, even though people are aware of the increased rollover risk. In fact, data shows that in 2024, they accounted for nearly 60% of all vehicle transactions. This is despite the fact that the price of an average SUV has risen by 44%.
So, if you own one, just remember to slow down way more than you usually do around turns, especially if your C.O.G. is affected. The scariest part about this is that you don’t really feel the awkward C.O.G. until you’re already losing control. Thus, play it extra safe.
#3. Learn How to React to Roll Overs
Sometimes, even if you do everything correctly, the situation can just get out of hand. A bump on the road might be a little too angled, or the pressure in one of your tires could cause instability. In such moments, the best thing to do is to react properly to the situation.
If you feel your vehicle starting to tip, the most important thing is to stay calm and protect your body’s vital areas. Instinct may make you want to brace against the windows or flail your arms, but this can lead to serious injuries. Instead, simply focus on positioning your body so that it’s protected from potential impact points like the windows and roof.
You will want to keep the following points in mind:
- Keep your hands on the steering wheel at “9 and 3.” This helps keep your arms from flinging out or being crushed by airbags.
- Tuck your chin toward your chest to protect your neck and spine.
- Keep your elbows in and feet flat on the floor if possible. Avoid crossing your legs or putting your feet up on the dashboard.
- Lean back into the seat and press firmly against the headrest to minimize whiplash and spine injury.
These are just some of the actions you need to remember to survive most crashes. The goal is to minimize limb movement and stay within the protection zone of your seatbelt and the vehicle’s reinforced structure. Panic can make you stiffen or move instinctively, but the safest thing is to stay compact, centered, and restrained until the motion stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a rollover in a crash?
A rollover crash is when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof, either during or after a collision. It’s one of the most dangerous types of crashes because it can crush the car’s frame and often lead to serious injuries or death.
2. What do most rollovers occur as a result of?
Most rollovers happen when a driver swerves suddenly, overcorrects, or hits something like a curb or soft shoulder. Speed, sharp turns, and loss of control in single-vehicle crashes are usually the main causes. It’s often more about the driver’s reaction than a direct collision.
3. Which vehicles are most prone to rollover?
SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are the most likely to roll over. That’s because they have a higher center of gravity, which makes them less stable in quick turns or emergency maneuvers. Heavily loaded or lifted vehicles are even more at risk.
There’s something humbling about rollover crashes. They don’t leave much room for negotiation. You either came prepared or you didn’t. When the laws of physics take over, factors like how you packed your car and how tightly you clicked your seat belt matter a lot.
Modern vehicles might be packed with tech, but they still can’t make judgment calls for you. So, when it all goes wrong, what you did ten minutes earlier might be the reason you’re able to get out and walk away.
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