Car Insurance

America is sport utility vehicle crazy. SUVs now account for one in four vehicles on U.S. roads, and their rising popularity is accompanied by alarming increases in rollover incidences and related fatalities. And, male drivers between the ages of 17 and 27 are almost two and a half times more likely to die in an SUV accident than the national average.
These and other sobering facts caught the attention of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. As a result, the 53 jurisdictions have joined forces to launch the ESUVEE Safety Campaign. This $27 million, yearlong national education program consists of a variety of strategic events and initiatives designed to reduce SUV rollover incidences, particularly among younger male drivers who are most vulnerable to such incidences.

The ESUVEE Safety Campaign highlights four critical tips for driving SUVs that can mean the difference between life and death:

* Handling: SUVs possess a higher center of gravity than passenger cars, which contributes to a great risk of rollover. Incidences of rollover can be exacerbated by speeding, abrupt maneuvers, inattentiveness, tailgating, recklessness, aggressiveness or impaired driving.

* Loading: The center of gravity of an SUV is affected by the number of people carried, as well as the amount, weight and distribution of cargo. Overloading the vehicle or the overhead cargo rack raises the center of gravity, increasing the risk of rollover.

* Tires: Tire size, pressure and maintenance are keys to SUV safety. Drivers should monitor each of these elements, and take them into account when loading and driving an SUV.