Rollover Accidents Common On Area Roads

With winter upon us and the changing weather conditions, it is important to remember safe driving habits to avoid potential dangers on the roads, dangers such as rollover accidents.

According to Kimball County Sheriff Harry Gillway, there are on average 12 rollover accidents each year here in Kimball County with speed being the most consistent contributing factor.

“Two years ago we had a woman who had lived here all of her life, and she got caught in the gravel to the right. Her speed was so great that when she corrected herself, she swerved causing the vehicle to go to the opposite side of the road and rollover and come to rest on a telephone pole,” Gillway said.

The factor of excessive speeds makes the interstate a particularly dangerous mode of travel in times of rough weather conditions.

“When the speed is 75 miles per hour and you have icy road conditions, it’s just a ticket for disaster. That’s where we have the most rollovers,” Gillway said.

However, it is not only excessive speed that can lead to a rollover. Sometimes it is a series of contributing factors that start at a surprising source: cruise control.

“The cruise control will inevitably on an icy road all of a sudden spin your tires erratically if it hits ice. It wants to go fast. It wants to go slow. All of a sudden you’re sideways heading to a ditch,” Gillway said.

Although it is easy to see certain weather conditions that affect one’s travels such as snow and ice, wind can prove to be especially dangerous for drivers especially with vehicles that are top heavy such as an SUV, van or truck, according to Gillway.

“Last year, we had a rollover of a truck and a trailer. The vehicle was light. The pavement was dry, but the wind just caught them. Those happen. If the wind picks up to gusting 60mph or more, with a light vehicle it can lift it over and put it over on its side very quickly,” Gillway said.

Gillway speculates that another contributing factor for rollover accidents and accidents in general is a certain over-confidence on the part of drivers due to the comfort one feels in their car.

“Cars have never ridden better than what they do now. You get into a nice car, and it just feels so nice and comfortable that you just feel like you’re in control. You’re not,” Gillway said.

Though one does not have control over weather conditions, there are precautions one can take in order to avoid falling victim to a rollover accident when the weather turns harsh.

“First thing, don’t drive fast. Slow it down during inclement weather. Also, be prepared. Keep your cruise control off, and if you start skidding or you go off to the road, drive in the direction of your skid and then slowly and easily drive back up on to the paved portion of the road,” Gillway said.