Testing demonstrates how well car roofs withstand rollovers

As automotive design has advanced, passenger cars, pickup trucks and SUVs have become increasingly safer. Yet the causes of accidents will always exist and motorists and their passengers still face many potential dangers while on the road. Rollover accidents, while less common than other kinds of collisions, are among the deadliest.

If a car or truck should roll, it is imperative that the roof is stable and not cave in. As such, the roof must be strong enough to withstand the pressure brought to bear by the weight of the vehicle. And for this reason, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts tests to determine the strength of motor vehicle roofs.

The test is conducted by applying heavy weight to the roof and then measuring how much pressure it takes to crush the roof 5 inches. The results are called the strength-to-weight ratio. Depending on the measurement it achieves, a vehicle roof could be rated as being poor, marginal, acceptable or good.

Roof strength is a critical aspect of any vehicle. The higher the strength-to-weight ratio, the less chance occupants will be crushed or thrown from a vehicle during a rollover accident.

The strength-to-weight ratio can let consumers know which cars have the strongest roofs and they can make their purchase decisions accordingly. But all models of cars and trucks should be able to withstand some measure of pressure.

If you or a loved one was injured when the roof of your vehicle failed to provide adequate protection in a rollover, you may wish to get in touch with a California personal injury attorney. In such cases, the sooner you contact the attorney, the better. This allows the attorney the opportunity to start an immediate investigation and gather evidence. You may be able to hold the auto manufacturer responsible for damages.