Most rollovers, almost 85%, are single vehicle accidents. Nearly all single vehicle accidents happen when the driver loses control of the vehicle, often when performing evasive maneuvers to avoid hitting and animal, when negotiating curves in the road, or in icy conditions. Electronic stability control (ESC) devices are a part of a vehicle’s computer system which can sense loss of control and take over to help prevent an accident.
“Tripping” is the most common cause of single vehicle rollovers. It happens when one of your tires strikes an object, such as a curb or soft shoulder, tripping the vehicle. SUVs are more prone to tripping because of their high center of gravity. ESC cannot stop a rollover once a vehicle has tripped, but it can prevent the vehicle from sliding or spinning into a tripping object.
What electronic stability control does to prevent an accident
Sensors detect the movement of the vehicle and tires and the road conditions. When ESC detects that the vehicle is going out of control, it reduces engine power. It selectively applies the brakes to individual wheels, and sometimes uses acceleration, to get the vehicle back in line and under control.
ESC does all of this on its own. It is not activated or controlled by the driver. In most cases the devices reduce the likelihood of a rollover. They are not, however, a substitute for good driving. They cannot fully compensate for excessive speeds, reckless driving, or a tire blowout. When they fail or malfunction they leave you unprotected.
Electronic stability control can save lives
According to studies, ESC can increase vehicle stability by up to 88%, reduce single vehicle SUV accidents by 67%, and may cut fatal single vehicle accidents in half. According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, widespread use of electronic stability devices could save more than 7,000 lives each year.
Does your SUV have ESC?
ESC devices have been available for years, meaning that manufacturers have had the option of installing them on vehicles for over a decade, but some have chosen not to. They may be required by law in all new vehicles by the model year 2012. Even though they are not yet required in vehicles, in many cases, manufacturers can still be held responsible for accidents which could have been prevented by ESC.
The experienced rollover accident attorneys participating in the SUV Rollover Lawyers Network are dedicated to helping people who have been injured and whose loved ones have been killed in SUV rollover accidents. These experienced rollover attorneys know what it takes to establish the liability of the manufacturer and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injury or loss.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an SUV rollover accident due to lack of ESC or ESC malfunction, please e-mail us to contact an experienced SUV rollover lawyer.
