Rollover Crash Turns Deadly in Sacramento
A rollover during the early morning hours of July 28 caused the death of a driver along U.S. Route 50. Investigators with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are investigating the cause of the crash.
I want to extend my sympathy to the victim’s family during their sorrow.
What Happened
According to a representative of the CHP, an SUV driving east on the highway around 2:00 in the morning near Mather Field Road exited the road, went down a bank of earth, and overturned. The SUV was found facing in the wrong direction on the shoulder by Sacramento’s fire department members. The vehicle had sustained significant damage. A witness informed responders to the crash that there was a person inside the wreckage, and it was discovered that the individual had died due to the crash.
Why a Rollover Occurs
If a vehicle’s tires hit something, such as a guardrail or soft dirt, it can disrupt the vehicle’s momentum. This process is called “tripping.” The destabilization of the forward movement can cause the vehicle to flip. Rollovers also happen for the same reason when two vehicles crash together because the momentum is disturbed, causing a vehicle to roll.
The other rare type of rollover is an “untripped” rollover. These occur in only 5 percent of rollovers. Most untripped rollovers happen to top-heavy vehicles such as SUVs, vans, and trucks. Untripped rollovers generally occur when a driver is forced to make a drastic maneuver, such as trying to avoid a collision. The sudden movement at a higher speed causes a vehicle to unbalance and roll.
Causes of Rollovers:
- Speeding contributes to a rollover in 40 percent of this type of crash.
- Location is a factor in rollovers. Seventy-five percent of rollovers occur in rural areas with higher posted speeds. The fact that rural roads have no barriers and are undivided roads may be a contributing factor.
- Eighty-five percent of rollovers are single-vehicle accidents. This suggests that driver error may be to blame in many of the instances of rollover.
- Alcohol consumption was a factor in almost half of all rollovers. Alcohol consumption adversely affects vision, response time, coordination, and judgment.
Rollover Crashes Are More Dangerous
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report states rollovers are so dangerous they cause the most traffic fatalities. Because the driver or passengers may be ejected from a vehicle, and the victims are tossed around inside. In contrast, a vehicle is in motion, and airbags may not be able to protect occupants inside. Some vehicles end up with a crushed roof, which can cause severe head or brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, stronger roofs are necessary to prevent head injuries and help keep the victim from being ejected through a vehicle’s windows, windshield, or doors.
Attorney Ed Smith
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, call me at (916) 921-6400 for my friendly and free advice. My toll-free number is (800) 404-5400.
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