SUV Rollover Risks in St Petersburg Auto Accidents
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
SUVs are a popular vehicle choice for many, especially a family. However, many of us look at them like any other vehicle on the roadways. But did you know that rollover SUV accidents are actually quite common and can result in significant damage?Common Causes of SUV Rollovers
Single-vehicle rollovers also happen. This is an accident that only involves one vehicle. These rollovers often happen for various reasons, including speeding, driving too fast for the current conditions, making tight turns, slamming on the brakes and skidding, and swerving and hitting unpaved areas, sidewalks, or medians.
St Petersburg Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were a total of 38,824 victims who lost their lives in 2020 in traffic accidents. Florida is also consistently considered one of the top states for the number of fatal car accidents there are annually.
Also, according to this report, SUVs were responsible for 5,075 fatalities in 2020, which was up from the previous year.
The top five Florida counties for traffic accidents in 2020 were Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, and Palm Beach. And one of the more dangerous areas for a Florida driver was intersections, with 928 fatal intersection accidents reported that year.
In St Petersburg alone, you will find three of the most dangerous roads and intersections, including Interstate 19, which has been named the most dangerous road in St Petersburg for decades. Also within St Petersburg are three of the six most dangerous intersections that cross US-19, including 38th Avenue North and Central Avenue.
Can You Prevent SUV Rollovers?
While it is impossible to completely eradicate your risk of an SUV rollover accident, there are things you can do to lessen that risk. Currently, SUVs are the vehicle of choice for over 20 percent of US drivers, even with Consumer Reports warning potential buyers of the risk.
SUVs are more likely to roll than other vehicles due to their height and narrow width. Even though rollovers only account for less than five percent of all accidents, they also account for almost 30 percent of all fatalities.
Here are a few precautions you can take when driving an SUV in Florida:
• Always check the safety ratings: You can find updated safety ratings for all new and older SUVs on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration website. So, before you purchase an SUV, be sure to check all stability enhancements.
• Practice appropriate loading techniques: When loading your SUV, whether it is passengers or other cargo, you want to ensure all the weight is evenly distributed, which can help prevent a rollover.
• Drive slowly and carefully: Since SUVs are not built like other vehicles, there needs to be more care when driving one. When switching lanes, slow your speed. You should also watch your speed when making any turns.
• Avoid distractions: Finally, pay attention to what you are doing and avoid distractions at all costs. You raise your rollover risk when you have to swerve or make other abrupt and unexpected movements.
Even with the right precautions, accidents still happen and can result in serious personal injury and significant damage. If your accident was the fault of another’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. For more information and steps to file your personal injury claim, contact an experienced St Petersburg attorney today.