Driving Your Vehicle6-64
Reducing the Risk of a Rollover
Your multi-purpose passenger vehicle is
defined as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
SUV’s have higher ground clearance
and a narrower track to make them
capable of performing in a wide variety
of off-road applications. The specific
design characteristics give them a higher
center of gravity than ordinary vehicles
making them more likely to roll over if
you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. Due to this
risk, driver and passengers are strongly
recommended to buckle their seat belts.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt.
There are steps that a driver can make
to reduce the risk of a rollover. If at all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers, do not load your vehicle
with heavy cargo on the roof, and never
modify your vehicle in any way. WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. To prevent rollovers or loss of
control:
[ Take corners at slower speeds than
you would with a passenger vehicle.
[ Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers.
[ Do not modify your vehicle in any
way that you would raise the center
of gravity.
[ Keep tires properly inflated.
[ Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
WARNING
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. Make sure
all passengers are wearing their seat
belts.
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Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight; accessory
weight; vehicle capacity weight; and
production options weight.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by 150
pounds (68 kg).
Occupant distribution
Designated seating positions.
Outward facing sidewall
An asymmetrical tire has a particular
side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The outward
facing sidewall bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same moldings
on the inner facing sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) tire
A tire used on passenger cars
and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Ply
A layer of rubber-coated parallel
cords.Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rubber,
chemicals, fabric and steel or other
materials, that, when mounted on
an automotive wheel provides the
traction and contains the gas or fluid
that sustains the load.
Pneumatic options weight
The combined weight of installed
regular production options weighing
over 5 lb. (2.3 kg) in excess of the
standard items which they replace,
not previously considered in
curb weight or accessory weight,
including heavy duty breaks, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
Recommended inflation pressure
Vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended tire inflation pressure
as shown on the tire placard.
Radial ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are
laid at 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Rim
A metal support for a tire and upon
which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the
tread and the bead.
Speed rating
An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed
at which a tire can operate.
