Rollovers are more likely to occur on rural
roads and highways particularly undivided, two-way
roads or divided roads with no barriers. When a
vehicle goes off a rural road, the vehicle can overturn
when it strikes a ditch or embankment, or is tripped by
soft soil. Nearly 75% of all rollover crashes occur in
rural areas, so practice caution when driving on
rural roads.
Maintain Your Tires
Improperly inflated and worn tires can be especially
dangerous because they inhibit your ability to maintain vehicle
control, the most important factor in reducing the chance of rollover.
Worn tires may cause the vehicle to slide sideways on wet
or slippery pavement, sliding the vehicle off the road
and increasing its risk of rolling over. Improper inflation can
accelerate tire wear, and can even lead to tire
failure. It is important to maintain your tires properly, and replace
them when necessary.
Load Vehicles Properly
Consult your vehicle's owner’s manual
to determine the maximum safe load for your vehicle, as well as
proper load distribution. If you’re using a roof rack,
pay special attention to the manufacturer’s instructions
and weight limits. Any load placed on the roof
will be above the vehicle’s center of gravity, and will increase
the vehicle’s likelihood of rolling over.
