The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent organization that is tasked with gathering, reporting and analyzing the data associated with accidents on US roadways. In the most recent report, which is based on data for 2014, the statistics for Arizona certainly illustrated some grim results. In 2014, Arizona had 705 auto crashes that resulted in a fatality on its roads, which equates to just over eleven traffic-related deaths for every 100,000 people in the state. The reality is that the vast majority of the fatalities could have been prevented, and the family members and loved ones of those who perished have been largely impacted.
Are You Safer in a Passenger Car or Pickup Truck?
Generally speaking, passenger cars such as a coupe or a sedan have a lower weight when compared to a full-size pickup truck. With the increase in weight, size and design structure, pickup trucks are able to better absorb the energy which is created in a collision with another vehicle or object. In most accidents involving two vehicles where there is a substantial weight disparity, the lighter of the two is more likely to sustain greater damage.
The Safety Drawbacks of Pickup Trucks
One factor that attributes to the frequency and severity of crashes involving pickup trucks actually has much less to do with the physical characteristics of the truck, but rather the demographics of those most likely to be operating them. Drivers of pickup trucks are largely younger men, who are more likely to drive aggressively and less likely to wear a safety belt.
Manufacturers are likely to design pickup trucks with the focus on attributes such as durability and tow capacity, while other more “family friendly” cars place a significantly higher emphasis on safety features.
Rollover: A rollover occurs in approximately 45% of pickup truck traffic fatalities, compared to around 23% in passenger cars.
Those carrying a heavy load in the bed of a truck are going to recognize far greater shifts in weight when changing direction and decreased braking speed.
Understanding Truck Rollovers
A vehicle rollover is obviously an unwanted occurrence, but pickup trucks are inherently more prone to them. The likelihood of a rollover is closely related to the base, or center of gravity of a vehicle. Pickup trucks, particularly those equipped with 4-wheel drive, extend higher off the ground and have a higher ground clearance. The majority of instances where a rollover occurs are when the vehicle is making a turn at a higher rate of speed.
Have the actions or negligence of someone on the road made you a victim? The good news is that the pickup truck accident victims and have The Husband & Wife Law Team available at their disposal. For over 20 years, Breyer Law Offices, P.C has been successfully obtaining justice for those with serious injuries. The Husband And Wife Law Team was recently named by a Subsection of the Arizona Tribune Newspaper as being the “best law firm” resulting from their findings. We aim to give exceptional legal representation and client support and service. Contact our offices for a complimentary case review today!