Many people worry about driving an SUV because of the risk of rollover. However, you can substantially reduce the risk of rollover by following a few common sense rules. Read these tips before you drive your SUV to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Buying the Right SUV
Some SUVs are more likely to roll over than others. In general, SUVs that are tall and narrow are more vulnerable to rollover. Vehicles with a wider wheelbase at the rear are less likely to roll. Read an SUV buying guide to find out how the latest models perform in rollover tests.
Learn to Drive Like an SUV Driver
An SUV doesn’t handle like an estate car. Before you pile your kids into the car and set off on a family camping trip, take your new SUV for a test drive so you can get used to the handling. In particular, you’ll need to get used to taking corners more slowly, as taking corners too quickly can cause a rollover. In fact, you should pay close attention to speed limits in general; forty percent of fatal rollovers occur when drivers are using excessive speed.
Pay Attention to the Road
Attentiveness can help to reduce the risk of rollover. If you’re distracted by your cell phone, your kids, or your car stereo, then you’re less able to react to unexpected bumps in the road that could throw off the handling of your SUV. Always focus on the road ahead and be ready to react to sudden obstacles. In general, the best thing to do when you hit a bump is to ease off the gas, gently pump the brakes, and hold the steering wheel steady. Don’t slam on the brakes or try to correct the car’s course by suddenly dragging the wheel in the opposite direction. Stay calm and it’s very likely that everything will turn out ok.
Keep Your Car in Good Condition
Low tire pressure can increase the risk of rollover. Check the tire pressure before every road trip and top it up if necessary. Of course, you should also make sure that the rest of your car is well-maintained. Book your SUV in for a service if it’s handling oddly or if it’s been a long time since the vehicle was checked over by a professional.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Rollovers are more likely when all the weight in your SUV is located on the same side. When you’re packing for your next camping trip, try to spread the load evenly between left and right. Also, strap large items down or contain them in a packing net to stop them moving around during a crash.
Don’t Worry
Modern SUVs are designed to prevent rollovers. By following a few common sense rules, you can reduce the risk even further. An SUV can be a very convenient vehicle for on-road and off-road driving in a range of weather conditions, so don’t let fears of rollover prevent you from driving an SUV if it’s right for your family.
