New Safety Standards Will Reduce Atlanta Rollover Accident Injuries

Date: January 25, 2011, 1/25/2011
Event: Rollover Car Accident | Attorneys for Car Accidents

Over the years of helping victims in car accidents, we believe rollover accidents are the most devastating.  In 2009, rollover car accidents resulted in 8,000 people killed.

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), more than 50% of the victims in a rollover accident involved a passenger being ejected from the vehicle. A seatbelt cannot completely protect you from being ejected. As an Atlanta auto injury lawyer, I have come across cases where a driver or passenger is ejected from the vehicle even though he or she is wearing a seatbelt.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a new rule to reduce serious injury from rollover accidents from occurring that will go in effect until 2013. The rule states that automakers must ensure that all occupants of a vehicle are unable to move more than four inches beyond an open window during a rollover car accident. By the year 2018, the NHTSA expects all vehicles to have systems that prevent passengers from being ejected during a rollover car accident.

One way to help prevent individuals from being ejected is to use side airbags. According to the GDOT, having such safety devices in the vehicle will save an average of 373 lives. These safety devices will also prevent approximately 476 injuries every year. Also, the NHTSA has improved roof strength standards. These rules require that the roof of the vehicle endure much greater force and improve the testing standards for roof  strength. With these standards in place, the potential for serious injury or death from a rollover accident will be greatly reduced. 

Our law firm handles auto accident cases for clients who have been injured in serious car accidents or other types of accidents. Please feel free to contact a car collision attorney, if you have been injured in an accident and have questions for an experienced attorney. We will gladly consult with you for FREE! 770-577-3020.