How Vehicle Type Contributes to Accident Risks

Not all vehicles are made the same, we know this because there are a wide variety of brands and models that appeal to different tastes and sensibilities. Not only are the aesthetic designs different in varying models and across brands, but also the actual structural designs differ. Believe it or not, some designs are inherently safer than others. Depending on your situation and what you are mainly using your vehicle for, it is worthwhile to consider the safety factor of each type of vehicle so that you can find the best one for your needs.

In addition to understanding the difference between types of vehicles, there is also the point of safety ratings that should be considered. Consumer Reports is a good site to explore and find out more information on recalls and safety ratings as well as detailed explanations on how the ratings are developed.

While no one intends to hit the road and end up in a traffic accident, every time you get behind the wheel you are at risk. You cannot control other drivers on the road and even when you are following all the rules of the road and engaging in safe driving practices, you can still be victimized in a car accident. What is interesting is that a study at the University at Buffalo examined crash data and concluded that the type of vehicle you chose to drive has a major impact on car accidents.

Head-On Crashes

Sports utility vehicles (SUV) and passenger cars that collide in head-on crashes pose some of the most high-risk crashes as they are the most deadly. Passenger vehicle drivers have a ten times higher likelihood of fatality in a crash when they hit an SUV head-on. The SUV’s that had a lower safety rating than that of the passenger car they hit head-on, the passengers of the car’s risk for death decreases. In this case, the passengers in the car are only 4 times more likely to die in the head-on accident. The numbers are clear, passenger vehicles when colliding with larger vehicles have a higher likelihood of death. 

Rollover Crashes

SUV’s are at high-risk for rollovers due to their high center of gravity. The heavy prevalence of rollovers for these popular automobiles lead manufacturers to redesign and add in safety benefits that reduced rollovers. Today, there are much fewer rollover accidents in SUV’s than there once were. Even though improvements have been made in SUVs, these vehicles are going to be much more prone to a rollover crash than of a lower center of gravity sedan.

Ejection After A Crash

It is known that wearing a seat belt goes a long way towards driver and passenger safety. One of the things a seat belt can do is reduce the risk for ejection from a vehicle during a crash. When an individual doesn’t wear a seat belt, they are 30 times more likely to be ejected from their vehicle after a crash, and ejection almost always means severe injuries and death. 

Sunroofs are a popular feature in modern automobiles. Sunroofs, though, pose a serious safety risk. Vehicles that are outfitted with sunroofs increase the likelihood of ejection during an accident, specifically rollover accidents. Individuals in a car can also become stuck in a sunroof which can add to devastating injuries in a serious accident.

Have You Been In A Serious Accident In Arizona And Sustained Injuries?

There are only so many factors you can control when you are on the road. You can choose cars that are safer in design and have a higher safety rating, and you can engage in safe driving practices but you cannot control every element while you are out. If a negligent driver hits you causing your injuries, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. A Phoenix serious injury attorney at ELG will help you seek full compensation for your damages and losses. 

ELG’s legal team of Arizona automobile accident lawyers will fight aggressively on your behalf. Call the attorneys at ELG today and set up a free consultation. We are here to help you after your accident at either our Phoenix or Mesa personal injury law offices at 623-562-3838.