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Journal Article

Citation

Parenteau CS, Shah M, Tieman C. J. Traffic Med. 1999; 27(3-4): 97-106.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, International Association for Accident and Traffic Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to identify various parameters that may influence rollover propensity. Method: US accident data was analyzed. The data was obtained from the weighted National Automotive Sampling System (NASS-CDS) from the US, calendar years 1988 to 1996. The parameters were divided in 2 categories, pre-rollover and rollover characteristics. Pre-rollover parameters covered physical conditions and pre- crash events/maneuvers. Rollover characteristics included rollover type and direction. Results: Rollovers most often occurred in the daylight or in the dark, and in no adverse weather conditions. Comparing with non-rollover incidents, rollovers had a higher propensity to occur in the dark and with sleet/fog or snow. Drivers were most often distracted when eating and/or drinking, falling asleep, or looking at people outside their vehicle. More than 75% of the vehicles departed the roadway and skidded. More than 60% of rollovers were initiated by contact with the ground and/or ditch. More than 50% of rollovers occurred when an opposing force resisted the lateral motion of the vehicle. This rollover type is referred to as a 'trip-over'. Most trip-overs took place on asphalt (69%) and on dry roads (60%). Of the trip- over accidents, vehicles most often rolled 1/2 or 1 full turn. Rolls that were more than 1 turn were not frequent (less than 10%). However, occupants in these severe rollovers had the highest rate of being severely injured. The roll direction rate was similar in roll-right and roll-left. However, when a trip- over was the only crash event, vehicles most often rolled left, corresponding to the counterclockwise direction seen from the driver position. Conclusion: Field data can be useful in the development of potential safety- countermeasures for rollovers as it provides insights on the significance of various parameters. Although the sample size used in this study is relatively small, the data revealed the useful trends.

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