Rollover prevention — Louisiana Permit Test

Rollovers are more common for SUVs, vans, pickups and small trucks than for passenger cars because of their higher centers of gravity.

A tall vehicle is top heavy, so a sharp turn or bump can tip it over more easily.

Rollover crashes are more common for sport utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, pickups and small trucks than for passenger vehicles due to their higher centers of gravity, which makes them top heavy and more likely to tip over.

Sudden steering moves at high speeds or on soft surfaces can lead to rollovers.

A hard turn of the wheel shifts the car's weight all at once, and a tall or tripped car can tip over.

Sudden steering maneuvers at high speeds or on soft surfaces can lead to rollovers.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of injury or death in a rollover is to use your safety belt.

Without a belt, people in a rolling car can be thrown out, which greatly raises the risk of death.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of injury or death in a rollover is to use your safety belt.

Many rollovers happen when drivers overcorrect their steering in response to unexpected situations.

A panicked, oversized turn of the wheel can tip a vehicle even on flat ground.

Many rollovers occur when drivers overcorrect their steering in response to unexpected situations, such as encountering a stopped vehicle in their lane or accidentally driving off the pavement.

Why are SUVs and pickups more likely to roll over than cars?

Their higher center of gravity. A tall vehicle is top heavy, so a sharp turn or bump can tip it over more easily. Class D & E Driver's Guide, p.114: “Rollover crashes are more common for sport utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, pickups and small trucks than for passenger vehicles due to their higher centers of gravity, which makes them top heavy and more likely to tip over.”