What Are Common Causes of Rollover Accidents?
There are various factors that could increase the likelihood that a rollover accident will occur. This can include physical attributes of the vehicle, the driving behavior of the vehicle driver, and negligence on the part of others on the roadway. Here, we want to examine some of the most common causes of rollover accidents that occur in the state of Georgia.
High Driving Speeds
Driving above the speed limit and operating too fast for conditions are some of the main causes of vehicle accidents in Georgia, as well as a leading cause of rollover accidents. When vehicles are traveling too fast for current roadway conditions, this can lead to devastating incidents in the event a collision with other vehicles occurs, if a driver has to make a correction to adjust for hazards, or if a driver strikes a fixed object.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving can encompass many types of actions that drivers take, including driving too fast for conditions. However, aggressive driving can also encompass various types of behaviors such as tailgating, changing lanes improperly, weaving through lanes of traffic, and even racing others on the roadway. Sometimes, road rage encompasses multiple types of dangerous driving in one incident.
Impaired Driving
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs should not be behind the wheel in the first place, and they are much more likely to be involved in dangerous collisions. Drunk drivers do not show as much judgment behind the wheel, and they lack the ability to react quickly to changing situations.
Distracted Driving
Driving distractions are a major problem in Georgia. Distracted driving has always been a problem and encompasses any actions that take a driver’s mind off of driving, eyes off the road, or hands off the wheel (sometimes all three at once). One of the main sources of distracted driving is our mobile devices, which individuals tend to constantly check throughout the day. However, distracted driving can also include eating or drinking behind the wheel, talking to other individuals, reaching for objects in the vehicle, pets in the vehicle, etc.
Equipment Failure
Various types of vehicle equipment failure can lead to rollover accidents. This can include tire blowouts, broken axles, poorly designed vehicles, etc. Any type of equipment failure with the vehicle increases the chance that the driver could lose control and crash into others or swerve off the road. Individuals should constantly inspect their vehicles and fix any known hazards taking the vehicle out on the roadway.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
If a vehicle is carrying a heavy load of cargo that is loaded improperly, this could significantly affect how the vehicle handles on the road. Improperly loaded cargo can change the weight distribution suddenly, which increases the chance a rollover incident will occur. This is particularly true for larger commercial trucks that not only have a higher center of gravity but also have plenty of cargo that could be loaded incorrectly.
Higher Center of Gravity
Certain types of vehicles on the roadway, usually vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, all have a higher center of gravity which increases the rollover accident chances. Even though safety standards have increased since these vehicles first came to the market, collisions with vehicles that have a higher center of gravity could still lead to a rollover accident.
Poor Roadway Conditions
Poor conditions on the roadway can also increase the chances that an accident and rollover collision will occur. These hazards can include debris on the roadway, potholes, inclement weather, construction on the roadway, and more. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Atlanta accident lawyers anytime.