What is the correct approach when a motor vehicle rolls over?
3 Answers
When a motor vehicle suddenly rolls over, the correct approach is as follows: 1. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands; hook your feet onto the pedals; press your back tightly against the seat back. 2. When the vehicle rolls over: the driver and passengers should try their best to hold onto fixed objects inside the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, seat back, etc., and try to avoid rolling and colliding inside the vehicle. At the same time, be careful to avoid being squeezed due to the deformation of the vehicle body. Never jump out of the vehicle when it rolls over. 3. After the vehicle stabilizes: the driver should first turn off the engine to prevent the vehicle from spontaneously combusting or exploding; then stabilize the body, quickly unfasten the seat belt, and escape from the vehicle through the door or a broken window.
I just experienced a rollover accident, and looking back now, the most correct approach was to stay calm and not panic. At that time, the car was going too fast and lost control during a turn, suddenly flipping over. Instinctively, I tightly gripped the steering wheel to regain control, but experience told me not to do that. The right method is to immediately turn off the engine to prevent fire, use your hands to protect your head and neck to avoid impact, as the body gets tossed around during a rollover. If the seatbelt is still fastened, don’t rush to unbuckle it—it keeps you secured until the car comes to a complete stop. Once the vehicle stabilizes, try to slowly climb out through the window or door. If uninjured, help others escape first. After ensuring safety, call for emergency help immediately, and avoid moving injured people recklessly. In daily driving, maintain a moderate speed, avoid sharp turns, and regularly check tire and brake conditions to significantly reduce rollover risks. Such incidents are indeed terrifying, but learning the proper response can save your life.
That time as a novice driver, I took a mountain road curve too fast and ended up rolling the car. I was terrified, but the knowledge from the training class helped a lot. The instructor had said the first thing to do is stay calm and don’t move around—wait for the car to stop rolling and confirm there’s no fire hazard. If the seatbelt is pinning you down, don’t force it open; first protect your head to avoid cuts from shattered glass. Once it’s safe, slowly unbuckle and climb out. If you have a phone, call 110 for help immediately. Back then, I stayed in the car for a few minutes to collect myself—luckily, I wasn’t hurt. Now I’ve learned my lesson: check the car’s condition before driving, especially controlling speed on curves and not exceeding limits. If an accident happens again, I remember to first assess the surroundings and not act blindly—waiting for rescue is the safest bet. Mistakes are inevitable for beginners, but knowing the right response can prevent secondary harm. Regularly reviewing the safety manual is crucial.
