Seat Belt Safety Rollover Demonstration

We were recently invited out to the third annual Cars and Crafts event at Ulster County Fairgrounds to benefit the New Paltz Fire Department. The New York State Police were there to demonstrate the effects of a rollover car accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rollover accidents are the cause of 33% of automobile fatalities. More than 10,000 people die each year in these accidents. You're 75% more likely to survive a rollover if you're wearing your seat belt.

According to TheCarConnection.com, there are two types of rollover accidents:

• Tripped - An outside force causes the rollover, debris, animal, etc.
• Un-Tripped - Car rolls as a result of vehicle weight/height

There are several things you can do to reduce the chances of an accident like this. Things like keeping your speed down and paying attention are helpful. But you'll also want to keep the height and weight of your vehicle in mind when cruising around that sharp turn. Check your tire pressure to make sure they're properly inflated. And as the video above shows, wearing your seat belt is the most simple thing you can do, and is potentially the most important factor.