Rollovers
• Tractor-trailers are harder to handle, they have a high center of gravity, frequently have unstable loads,
and require longer braking distances.
• Rollovers are the most severe and deadliest crashes that occur.
- Never exceed the posted speed limit for the curve.
- Be in a gear that allows for slight acceleration in a curve. Braking in a curve can lock wheels and cause skidding.
Top 3 Factors:
Speed
Driving too fast for:
- Curves
- Load
- Condition of the brakes
- Road surface
- Intersection conditions
Attention
Failure to pay attention:
- Simply being attentive
- Dozing or falling asleep
- Distractions (cell phone/CB, talking to a passenger, turning the radio)
Steering
Failure to steer properly
- Over-steering
- Not steering enough to stay in the lane
- Overcorrecting to the point of counter-steering
To prevent steering-related rollovers:
- Slow down to a safe speed before entering a curve.
- Never exceed the posted speed limit for the curve.
- Be in a gear that allows for slight acceleration in a curve. Braking in a curve can lock wheels and cause skidding.
