Rollover Car Accident Attorney in Salt Lake City Utah
Joshua Yazzie, a federal law enforcement officer, was killed in a single-vehicle Utah auto accident on June 7, 2010. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Yazzie was driving his car on the Ute Indian Reservation in Uintah County while on duty. He lost control of his vehicle a mile south of U.S. Highway 40. He overcorrected in an attempt to stabilize the vehicle, causing the car the roll off a 200-foot embankment. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The force of the accident ejected him from the vehicle and he died at the scene. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife and two children as they mourn this tragic loss.
The rate of rollover accidents is increasing
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 1991 to 2001, the rate of rollover fatalities increased by 10%. Although rollover accidents are generally rare, accounting for 3% of passenger vehicle accidents, they account for almost one-third of all accident fatalities every year. In 2001, over 10,000 people died in rollover vehicles, accounting for 32% of all traffic accident fatalities.
A thorough analysis of traffic safety statistics reveals that SUVs are more prone to rollovers. According to the NHTSA “fatalities in rollover crashes accounted for 82% of the total fatality increase in 2002.” Furthermore, 61% of all SUV fatalities in 2002 involved a rollover.
How can you prevent a rollover accident?
If you follow safe driving standards and precautions, you can reduce your risk of a single-vehicle rollover accident. Here are a few driving tips to remember:
• Avoid overcorrecting your vehicle. If you temporarily lose control of your car and begin veering in a certain direction, your initial reaction might be to jerk the steering wheel the opposite direction as you are swerving. This type of overcorrecting can easily roll your vehicle over.
• Slow down in wet and slippery conditions. Rain and snow create slick roadways, increasing the chance of losing control of your vehicle. Slow down in difficult weather conditions to maintain better control.
• Check the tires. According to the NHTSA, a common trend among rollover accidents is improperly inflated tires. Keep your tires properly inflated and regularly check for signs of wear and tear.
Don’t forget to wear your seatbelt
Utah is the home of many rural roads and highways. It is easy to fall into the mindset that you don’t need to wear your seatbelt on rural roads that are unpopulated with other vehicles. As this tragic accident demonstrates, auto accidents can occur even without other vehicles. Always wear your seatbelt no matter where you are driving.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Utah car accident, you may be entitled to certain legal rights. Please request a free copy of your Utah Accident Book "7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case" or contact the expert attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm in Utah for a free consultation at 801.506.0800.
