Rollovers constitute only 3% of all accidents in the US but are responsible for nearly 30% of all auto related deaths (that number of deaths from rollover jumps to nearly 60% of all SUV accidents.)

The NHTSA reports that 10,000 people die every year in the US from effects related to rollover accidents. They report that another 24,000 receive catastrophic injury including the largest number of brain and spinal injuries often leading to quadriplegia and paraplegia.

According to the IIHS, Insurance Institute for Highway safety, a roof strength of four times the vehicle weight would cut those numbers of lives lost in half: 5,000 American lives a year saved and 12,000 fewer catastrophic injuries every single year.

For those concerned about adding weight above the vehicles center of gravity, the Institutes research indicates the effect would be minimal. First by using high strength lighter weight materials and second because whatever minimal added weight may be added is dispersed along the plane between the midpoint of the car and the roof line. (Unlike popular features like sunroofs that can add an average of 35-45lbs at the very highest point of the vehicle.

“Remember that even advanced technology cannot overcome the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions.”

And they still test Chevy Blazers? Was that supposed to be TrailBlazers?

I dont think $95 million is worth enough to save 13-14 people per year becasue they are too stupid to know they are in heavy vehicle with a high center of gravity.

The new reduction in the allowable level of arsenic in groundwater will cost several billion every year to save an estimated 7 lives. Just say it’s for the children, health, safety, and who can be against it no matter the cost

And how bad is that? I know a women who works as a counselor at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Denver. What would she do if she were a para- or quadraplegic, having worked with them professionally? “Kill myself” she answered without hesitation.

That choice is also based on the understanding that it is more likely to tip or roll in an accident or high speed maneuver (as I am reminded every time I look at the visors as well as ensuring proper tire inflation) and is not as fuel efficient as some other options. If you buy and SUV you need to realize that SUVs are inherently unsafe by design. They have benefits off road and for interior space, but you should not assume GARGANTUAN = SAFE. None will handle like a car if you have to avoid an accident and will instead only cause a more dangerous situation.

Also, from a design standpoint, the roof may be designed to handle 2.5 times the vehicle weight, but that is only when gently set in place on it’s top. When you have a rolling car the forces are in excess of 2.5 times the weight of your car, more on the scale of about 4 to 5 times the weight of the car depending on the accident so this small increase will make them safer but does not really ensure total crush resistance. From a structural standpoint it is difficult to stiffen an empty shell affectively. You can add steel but that really isn’t the best way to go about it. This is too much blowing smoke and unnecessary safety regulations.

I dont think $95 million is worth enough to save 13-14 people per year becasue they are too stupid to know they are in heavy vehicle with a high center of gravity.

Eventually the people in this county will get so stupid behind the wheel that cars are, again, just like the cars going around your local nascar super speedway. We will all have full saftey cages, helmets, cars that can survive all sorts of stupidity, and a HANS device for everyone!

Enough is enough already. If you can’t handle your SUV, get a car. This whole thing pisses me off to no end. SUVs tip over. If you dont realize that dont drive.

They roof strenght is fine, Ford should get to keep all the SUV rollover money, Firestone should be safe from litigation.

I seriously hate what this county has become in my lifetime… and I’m only 27.

/end rant/