Do Manufacturers Attempt to Lessen Rollover Risk?
When a vehicle is to be released to the market the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts a thorough assessment of its safety features and assigns ratings based on the outcomes of various tests. The NHTSA bases its findings on many factors, but one of the most important safety concerns is a vehicle’s risk for rolling over in the event of an accident. One might expect that auto manufacturers would attempt to redesign vehicles in order to reduce the rollover risk, and in some cases they do. Regrettably, however, automakers are often content to let dangers persist.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a rollover accident that may have been caused by the design or another problem with your vehicle, contact the experienced SUV rollover lawyers of the Willis Law Firm by calling 800-883-9858.
The Mazda Tribute as a Case Study
The NHTSA has rated the Mazda Tribute compact SUV several times in the past decade as its new models have been released. The risks for rollover accidents based on four such evaluations are:
- 2005 – 20.9% (4×4) and 23.7% (4×2)
- 2006 – 20.9% (4×4) and 23.7% (4×2)
- 2008 – 20.4% (4×4) and 23.7% (4×2)
- 2010 – 20.4% (4×4) and 23.7% (4×2)
As you can see, the Mazda Tribute’s risk for rollover accidents has been reduced only slightly and then only for the 4×4 edition. This illustrates that car makers are willing to accept these risks rather than significantly alter the design of a vehicle, and it is consumers who must bear the consequences of this decision.
Contact Us
For more information about your legal rights and options if you have been injured in a rollover accident, contact the experienced SUV rollover attorneys of the Willis Law Firm at 800-883-9858 today.