The Ford Explorer

One of the most dangerous problems with SUVs is the increased risk of rollover accidents. In the 1990s, reports of a high number of SUV rollover accidents began to emerge concerning the Ford Explorer. These problems were initially blamed on an increased risk of blowouts in the Bridgestone or Firestone tires that came equipped with many of the vehicles.

However, subsequent research revealed that not only was the Ford Explorer about five times more likely to experience a tire blowout than other SUVs or light trucks. It was also discovered that Explorers were 2.66-4.33 times more likely to go into a rollover after a blowout had occurred.

This data suggested that the increased risk of SUV rollover accidents observed with the Explorer was not caused by a tire blowout risk alone, but by problems with the vehicle itself. SUV rollover accidents have also occurred in high numbers with the Ford Bronco and the Ford Escape.

However, the risk of SUV rollover accidents is not limited to the Explorer or other Ford SUVs. Many automobile experts believe that SUVs are more likely to go into a rollover after sudden changes in direction due to the high center of gravity in these vehicles.

While there were about 300 deaths in rollover accidents that occurred in Ford SUVs with Firestone tires over a 10 year period, more that 12,000 people died in SUV rollover accidents unrelated to tire failure during that time.

Many drivers or their families who were injured after an accident have contacted SUV rollover attorneys about filing a lawsuit. These individuals believe that Ford and other automobile companies did not do enough to ensure the safety of the SUVs they manufacture, or to warn drivers about the risk of SUV rollover accidents they might face with these vehicles.