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Home » Consumer Information » Automobile Safety

Roof Crush

A roof crush occurs when the structural design of an automobile is not capable of withstanding the impact of rollover accidents, and carmakers realize that it is a problem that can be fixed if given enough attention. Sport utility vehicles and vans are more apt to be involved in a roof crush because they are more prone to rollovers than typical passenger cars. Government organizations and automobile manufacturers have realized crash standards that require all vehicles to pass various tests are not up to par. In spite of this, they have yet to alter these regulations that could do wonders for passenger safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for setting the standards that manufacturers must meet during production of their vehicles' roofs. Numerous manufacturers do the bare minimum to cut down on expenses, and passenger safety suffers as a result.

Causes

The following examples are typical causes of roof crush injury:

  • Roof pillars snap during a rollover.
  • The roof collapses under pressure and strikes an occupant.
  • The roof invades the passenger compartment.

Blueprints for a safer roof design could immensely improve the death rate among rollover auto accident victims. According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216, car manufacturers are obligated to adhere to minimum design requirements. However, the majority of these guidelines do not offer much in terms of protection to larger, elevated vehicles like SUV's or vans.

In spite of urgent pleas from safety authorities, auto manufacturers and government agencies have yet to implement stricter regulations. All carmakers would have to conform to these standards or risk being suspended, which would result in substantial financial setbacks. Obviously, it would look bad in the public eye if any automaker refused to follow these rules, so they wouldn't be too likely to rebel. It is a potential win-win situation for everyone involved because manufacturers' sales will most likely increase, and consumers will be reassured that their vehicles will protect them.