Beware of rollover crashes in bad weather

The Ramstein community has experienced three rollover accidents in the
past 45 days. As a motor vehicle operator, making smart choices can
reduce the chances of having a rollover, or any type of crash.

More than 90 percent of rollover crashes involve a single vehicle and
all types of vehicles are involved in rollover crashes. Almost all
rollover crashes result from the loss of control of a car from a risky
behavior.

Speed is an important factor that contributes to rollover crashes. The
average speed in fatal rollover crashes is more than 60 miles per hour
compared with an average speed of about 45 mph for other fatal crashes.

Excessive speed can contribute to a rollover and increase the severity of a rollover crash.

More than 60 percent of fatal rollover crashes involve alcohol use.
Even a small amount of alcohol will negatively affect judgment,
muscular coordination, and vision. Drunk drivers are more likely to
lose control of a vehicle and less likely to regain control.

Buckle the safety belt. A safety belt is the single most important
piece of safety equipment in a vehicle. Worn correctly, with the lap
belt low and snug on the hips and the shoulder belt over the shoulder
and across the chest, a safety belt reduces chances of injury in all
types of crashes. Ejection of vehicle occupants not wearing safety
belts is the leading cause of death in rollover crashes.

Vehicle skids frequently result in crashes, including rollovers. The
three systems that control a vehicle – braking, steering and
acceleration – all do their work at the four places where the tires
meet the road.

Sometimes, more is asked of these systems than they can provide and the vehicle starts to skid.

There are three types of skids that correspond to the three control
systems. In a braking skid, the wheels are not rolling. In a steering
or cornering skid, the tires slip and lose cornering force because of
too much speed or over steering in a curve. And, in an acceleration
skid, the drive wheels start to spin because of too much acceleration.

Cornering and acceleration skids are best handled by easing off the
accelerator. Braking skids are less likely to occur if the vehicle is
equipped with an antilock braking system. ABS prevents the wheels from
locking when slamming on the brakes. If the vehicle does not have ABS
and the brakes begin to lock, momentarily release and reapply the
brakes as necessary to avoid lock-up. Water, snow, ice, gravel or other
material on the roadway reduce traction. When driving on these types of
surfaces, try to avoid any sudden braking, steering or accelerating.
Any sudden movements may cause the tires to slip, resulting in a skid.

These issues have one important similarity – they are factors the
driver controls. The driver makes the choice whether or not to drink
and drive, speed and wear a safety belt. (Courtesy of the 435th Air
Base Wing safety office.)