Some sport utility vehicles (SUVs) will roll over under conditions where other vehicles simply slide out. These rollovers often occur when a driver swerves to avoid hitting something or momentarily drifts partially off the roadway, gets back on the road and then tries to straighten the vehicle.

Car manufacturers that market unstable SUVs typically blame the driver. However, testing conducted for Gilbert, Ollanik & Komyatte’s cases demonstrates how minor modifications such as lowering the center of gravity and widening the wheel base, can make the difference between a vehicle that tips over and one that merely slides out.

The best evidence of an on-road rollover is found at the scene, in the form of tire marks and gouging and scraping on the roadway. For example, tire marks that suddenly end in the middle of the road are indicative of an on-road rollover.

Tire marks that suddenly end in the roadway indicate an on-road rollover.