In 2000-01, SUVs were involved in crashes that killed the occupants of cars or minivans at a rate of 44 deaths per million registered vehicles. Since then, the rate has dropped dramatically to 16 deaths per million registered vehicles in 2008-09.
Why did the rate drop so much? Safety experts cite several factors:
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Improved crash protection in passenger vehicles, including side airbags and stronger frames.
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Electronic stability control (ESC)
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Lower bumpers on SUVs
Lower bumpers mean that cars and SUVs now crash bumper to bumper. This prevents the smaller vehicle from sliding under the SUV and it keeps the body of the SUV away from the other vehicle's passenger compartment. Override accidents are almost always fatal.
Researchers only looked at recent model SUVs; all cars in the study were one to four years old. There continues to be a risk of Georgia override accidents in older models without lower bumpers.
If you have lost a loved one in a Georgia SUV accident, speak to an Atlanta car accident attorney about your right to accountability and compensation. Contact Shane Smith Law at 770-HURT-999.
