compare cheap car insurance online fairfield

Several studies have reported that SUVs are four times more likely to rollover than low - roofed cars because of its higher center of gravity and weight. With this conclusion, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) now requires automakers to follow several safety standards.

Lower roofs for SUVs

Few years ago, car manufacturers have lowered the roof height of SUVs by at least half inch and installed impact - absorbing bars below the bumpers to meet the NHTSA standards.

At first, the car makers were reluctant to follow the standards, but with the pressure from government officials and consumer groups, the companies consequently agreed to adopt these.

After adopting these safety standards, experts found an impressive result. According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ), the rate of side - impact deaths in SUVs has declined by half.

The IIHS also estimated that these safety standards can save 600 to 800 lives every year if these will be fully implemented to all car manufacturers.

Electronic Stability Control System

With the growing concern for safer vehicles and pressure from consumer groups and government officials, many automakers provide stability control system that prevents rollover crashes.

This " intelligent " technology works by automatically stopping the car and modulating the throttle after detecting potential rollovers ( sudden shift of gear and sharp turns ).

Some companies ' stability control system is complemented with more advanced technologies such as the " Seat Belt Securing Control " which automatically tightens the harness if the system detects that the vehicle may turn on its side.

Here is the list of car makers that provide anti - rollover device:

* Volvo ( Roll - over Protection System )

* Ford ( Roll Stability Control )

* Chrysler ( Electronic Roll Mitigation )

* General Motors ( Proactive Roll Avoidance )

* Range Rover ( Active Roll Mitigation )

Stronger Roofs

Some automakers deny that there is a connection between passenger safety and the roof strength. However, there is a new study which proved otherwise.

According to a study conducted by the IIHS, more than 200 deaths caused by rollover accidents in 2006 could have been prevented if the SUVs ' roofs were as strong as the Nissan Xterra ' s ( 2000 ) which the test revealed as the strongest.

While Xterra has the strongest roof among SUVs and has been found to reduce serious injuries and death up to 57 percent, the Ford Explorer ( 1996 - 2001 ) has one of the weakest roofs among the vehicles tested.

With these findings, the IIHS urge the government to pass stricter standards for roof strengths.

Safety Tips for SUV Drivers and Occupants

* Check the pressure of the tires every month. Traveling at a high speed with a dangerously low pressure on the tires is one of the causes of rollovers.

* Wear seatbelts. In the event of a rollover crash, this safety harness can prevent people from getting ejected from their seats.

* Avoid over speeding. Rollovers usually happen when an SUV travels at a high speed and then swerves sharply.

* Do not overload the SUV. According to experts, adding extra weight inside or on top of the vehicle, will raise the center of gravity and increase the risk of rollover crash.