 |
How safe are SUV's? The debate rages on amongst consumer groups and auto manufacturers. Consumer groups nationwide argue that the government should be doing more to protect Americans from the inherent dangers posed by modern SUV's.
Approximately 41,000 Americans a year are killed on the nation's roads. Eleven thousand of those deaths take place in rollovers; and about 1,900 of those 11,000 are in sport utility vehicles. |
|
|
|
|
In 2000, SUV's had the highest rollover involvement rate of any vehicle type in fatal crashes -- 36 percent. Compare that with 24 percent for pickups, 19 percent for vans and 15 percent for traffic cars.
The best way for manufacturers to make SUV's more stable is to lower the center of gravity and widen the wheel track. Over the last few years, the trend has begun to rise for manufacturers to design their SUV's with a lower center of gravity, and/or a wider wheel base.
|
| |
|
It is estimated that over 6.3 million automobile accident took place in the United States last year. The most important safety precaution you can take is to use a safety belt, and always place children under the age of 5 in a child's seat. NHTSA estimates that approximately 12,000 lives were saved last year by the use of safety belts. An estimated 350 children under the age of 5 were saved by using child restraints.
|
| |
If you or a family member has been injured in an SUV rollover, it is best to contact a lawyer specializing in SUV rollover cases immediately to find out your legal rights. A lawyer with SUV rollover expertise can asses your case to find out whether or not it is actionable. To expedite the process of filing a lawsuit, it is advisable to present your lawyer with as much information about your situation as possible. Choose from a lawyer by state at left to begin your search. Simply fill out a form for a lawyer in your area, and a qualified professional will contact you shortly.
|
