Accident Attorney Examines the Risk of Automobile Rollovers After Accident at Deadman’s Corner in Dallas, Texas
The Dallas Morning News has reported that the funding allotted to improve the toll way will instead be used to correct the “Deadman’s Corner” where 175 merges with 310 after a sharp, near 90 degree curve. Because of the dangers of navigating sharp curves like Deadman’s Corner and other turns like it, many drivers who aren’t cautious or observant will take the turn too quickly and lose control of their vehicle, a mistake which often ends in slamming into guardrails or even rolling the vehicle over, which results in damaged property, injury, or even death. Although it is the city’s responsibility to design safe roads, often dangerous curves will be overlooked and therefore drivers should educate themselves regarding the precautions needed to navigate a sharp turn successfully.
Rollover crashes kill one of every four people who die in auto accidents, as reported by the federal government. A person looking to purchase a new car can research crash-test results to see how well they and their loved ones will be protected should their car roll over. However, it is best to do research before purchasing a car to discover which automobiles have the least likely chance of rolling over in the first place. Also, if drivers can equip themselves with tips to driving safely and countering instability, then dangerous rollovers can be avoided.
When a vehicle rounds a corner, three forces are influencing its movement: inertia, gravity, and traction. When navigating the curve, inertia is pulling the vehicle at ground level towards the inside of the curve. Meanwhile, gravity is pushing the weight of the vehicle downwards. If enough inertial force pulls the vehicle towards the center of the curve and gravity doesn’t have enough force to hold the car to the ground, the vehicle will roll over. The threat of rollover is strengthened the higher the vehicle’s center of gravity is off the ground. Therefore, the taller the automobile (trucks, vans, SUV’s) the greater the danger of a rollover accident. Cars, with the lowest centers of gravity, are the least prone vehicle to rollovers. Minivans have a higher risk, followed by trucks, and the most vulnerable to rollovers are Sports Utility Vehicles.
Because of each individual’s different needs, a person generally cannot choose a vehicle based only on its rollover safety. A family may require a larger vehicle, such as a minivan; a person may need a truck for its cargo capacity; and someone may prefer an SUV because of its higher point of view and off-roading abilities. In these situations, precautions must be taken and the driver should be aware of the dangers of their specific vehicle and compensate.
According to safercar.gov, a driver or passenger is 75% less likely to be killed in a rollover if wearing a seatbelt. “Wearing a seatbelt is always the first safety precaution that should be taken, regardless of the car type or the road conditions,” says Amy K. Witherite, an experienced Accident Automobile Lawyer operating out of the Dallas area. Safercar reports that of the 10,000 people killed from a vehicle rollover in 2002, the majority (72%) were not wearing seatbelts. Often a rolling vehicle will turn over multiple times, and without seatbelts, anyone inside will tumble around like clothing in a drying machine, and so seatbelts are a necessity. Along with a seatbelt, it is wise to secure all objects within the vehicle, as anything loose can fly through the interior and hit and injure a passenger during a rollover.
While security inside is essential, it is also important that outside conditions not be forgotten. If driving on sand or dirt, such as a rural country road, turning sharp corners or sudden swerves can cause the tires, which already have minimum grip on the road, to lose traction completely, making the vehicle even more susceptible to flipping. Nearly 75% of all rollover crashes occur in rural areas. Caution is best when driving in these conditions. When approaching a curve or making a turn, the driver should approach with caution, following the suggested speed limit signs and decreasing speed beforehand until they know the turn can be achieved safely. Knowing proper maneuvering if the vehicle begins to feel top-heavy or tips is vital. If the driver begins to veer or tilt off-course, slamming on the breaks or jerking the steering wheel is an incorrect and highly dangerous action, as that could create even more inertia pulling the vehicle over. Instead, the driver should slowly brake and gradually decrease speed, gently guiding the vehicle back on course.
Choosing a safe type of vehicle, one which has the best crash test results and rollover ratings, is a great way to protect the passengers inside and adds to peace of mind. Making sure individuals inside the vehicle are properly seat belted, securing all loose objects, and reacting to any loss of control with the proper actions, will lead to safer driving and less accidental rollovers. With this knowledge and by taking the right precautions, Deadman’s Curve, and other dangerous road conditions, will no longer cause apprehension but will be navigated safely and successfully. Even if the driver puts safety first, one cannot control or predict the driving decisions of others. If a negligent driver causes loss or injury to an individual or to one of their loved ones, procuring the services of an excellent automobile accident lawyer is vital. Amy K. Witherite, with an encouraging, proven record of litigating accident claims, is available to assist anyone who has experienced such a situation and can help recover damages.
Texas automobile accident news, by Dallas automobile accident lawyer Amy K. Witherite.
3100 Monticello, Suite 500, Dallas, Texas 75205
Phone: (214) 378-6665
