After NHTSA developed a rating system to identify SUV rollover potential, channel 9 News’ I-team investigator Ward Lucas met with Jim Gilbert to find out more:

“People who drive SUVs have no idea what is going to happen once they get into an emergency” Jim Gilbert

An emergency may be an animal or child darting into the road in front a person driving their SUV down the road. The driver’s reaction is to turn the steering wheel as hard as possible to avoid the object and an accident. However, that instinctive maneuver may put the occupants in a potential rollover situation because the vehicle isn’t safe enough.

Testing is done on dry pavement at speeds as low as 35 mph, using a maneuver called the “fishhook”. The driver is instructed to make a quick left steer and then a quick return to the right. The test vehicle is equipped with outriggers to protect the driver and avoid an actual rollover.

These rollovers can be prevented by simple changes to the vehicle. Jim Gilbert states, “these are not fixes that are a part of rocket science they are very simple.”

1. Use smaller tires to lower the center of gravity
2. Install spacers to the inside of the wheel which widen the track by 1 inch

With these changes implemented the difference is clear; at 40 mph the “stock” vehicle tips up but the “modified” vehicle remains stable.

Consumers, however, should not make changes to their vehicles on their own. Mr. Gilbert wants the auto industry to pay attention to these problems, stating that modifications should be done by the auto manufacturer with their own engineers.