Do SUVs Overturn More Easily than Sedans?
Every motorist should get to grips with all the risks relating to car safety, and thetop safety features for cars on the road today.. The risk of their vehicle overturning is a danger for many drivers and can cause serious injury to the occupants. It is thought that the structure and weight distribution of a car can affect the likelihood of it overturning, knowledge which all motorists should have about their car. Some experts state that SUV vehicles, because they tend to be top heavy, are more likely to overturn than a smaller car such as a sedan. Many car companies and safety agencies have done research on this subject.
SUV Dangers
Surveys have shown that SUVs, because they have a higher centre of gravity, are indeed more likely to overturn. For example 36% of SUV crashes which resulted in a fatality were due to the vehicle overturning, where for regular vehicles the percentage was 15%. The fact that the centre of gravity for an SUV is on average six inches higher that for a normal vehicle, is intensified by the tendency for this type of vehicle to be heavily laden with equipment of luggage.
The reason the body shape of a vehicle has this effect is that its stability depends on the relationship between the size of its wheelbase and its hight. Cars which have a large wheelbase and a small hight to not tip over as much due to the forces of taking a corner, where vehicles which are taller but with a similar wheelbase are more likely to overbalance. SUVs often only have a slightly wider wheelbase, and a large ground clearance due to their function as utility vehicles.
Responsible Driving Makes a Difference
Nevertheless, these numbers may overestimate the risk posed to a responsible driver. Statistically, the demographic which is most likely to be involved in a SUV overturning accident is an under-25 male. In addition, this type of accident is most likely to occur on a weekend night, often after drinking.
Therefore, it could be possible that a portion of the dangers associated with this type of vehicle is down to unsafe driving, from an inexperienced group of drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol and the party spirit. This suggests the possibility that although this type of vehicle carries risks, it may be possible to drive one and not suffer such an immediate danger. This could be achieved by safe and steady driving, especially on bends.
In addition, some modern vehicles are fitted with ESC, which can dramatically improve safety. This system relies on sophisticated computer systems and sensors throughout the car which relay information on it's speed and traction. It uses this data to assist the motorist in keeping control if there is a risk of them entering a skid while cornering, by applying the breaks to one or more of the car's wheels. With technologies such as this, the risk of a motorist overturning an SUV can be significantly reduced. In addition, the statistics which showed that fatalities due to SUV crashes were more likely to be because of the vehicle overturning were gathered before this technology was common in the market.
The safety of a car is a very important consideration when a motorist is considering which car to by along with the lowest cost of auto insurance. Customers and car owners are advised to gather all the safety information possible on the car in consideration and cars in general so as to come to and informed decision. Though statistically SUVs appear to be more likely to overturn than sedans, it may also depend heavily on the actions of the driver.