It's a fact. Fatal rollover rates are much higher for pickups and SUVs than for passenger cars- about 3 times higher. Why? The vehicle is higher from the ground than a passenger car, making a higher center of gravity. The higher the center of gravity, the greater the chance of a rollover.

A further complication caused by the height of these vehicles comes to passenger car occupants, who are more likely to be killed when having an interaction with a pickup or SUV than with another passenger car. Since SUVs and pickups are so high from the ground, their frame rails go right over the frame rails of a car, resulting in increased penetration. In essence, an SUV or pickup can penetrate the structural safety cage of a passenger car.  SUVS and pickups are much more aggressive than passenger cars in their interaction with other vehicles.

NCCC calls upon auto manufacturers to improve the design of these vehicles to limit rollover risk and prevent intrusion into other vehicles.  Some manufacturers are lowering the heights of their SUVs and pickups, while others are integrating technologies that lower the ride height of a vehicle as the speed of the vehicle increases.  Doing so helps prevent rollovers.

If you are interested in crash test ratings, please visit www.safercars.gov and www.hwysafety.org for crash test ratings.