What is the correct procedure when a vehicle rolls over?
4 Answers
When a vehicle suddenly rolls over, the driver should firmly grip the steering wheel with both hands, hook their feet onto the pedals, and press their back tightly against the seat backrest to stabilize their body and avoid injuries from impacts inside the vehicle. Additionally, care should be taken to prevent being crushed due to vehicle deformation. If the vehicle continues rolling into a deep ditch, the driver should quickly move their body to the lower front of the seat, hold onto the steering wheel or other stable parts to secure themselves, and avoid injury from rolling. Below are some driving precautions: 1. Check mirrors: Always use turn signals and slow down when turning or changing lanes; always check the mirrors before turning. Left turns primarily require checking the left mirror, right turns the right mirror, and both turns should involve checking the interior rearview mirror. 2. Avoid fixating on the front of the vehicle: When driving on clear roads, look straight ahead about 100 meters, not just at the immediate front of the vehicle. 3. Depress the clutch: Generally, when decelerating at speeds above 40 km/h, there's no need to depress the clutch immediately; wait until the speed drops to around 20 km/h before doing so. 4. Steering: Turn the wheel slowly for high-speed turns and quickly for low-speed turns.
Last time my car almost rolled over when I took a high-speed turn too fast in the rain and fishtailed. Thankfully, I was wearing my seatbelt and gripping the steering wheel tightly, so nothing happened. If it had actually rolled over, the key is to stay calm and not panic. Once you feel the car starting to flip, brace yourself and avoid sudden movements to prevent hitting interior components. After the rollover, check if the seatbelt is loose. If you're not injured, don’t rush to climb out—wait until the car comes to a complete stop to avoid secondary rolling. If the engine is still running, turn it off immediately to prevent fire hazards. Try to open the door to climb out or break a window to escape—don’t waste energy yanking the door handle if it’s stuck. The roof often has an emergency exit or a window-breaking tool to quickly shatter the glass and escape. Calling for help is crucial—dial 120 or 112 to get assistance. In daily driving, I pay attention to speed control, especially on slippery roads, and avoid sharp turns. Regular checks on tire pressure and the braking system help reduce such risks. Safe driving habits have saved me several times.
As a parent who often drives with children in the car, safety is my top priority. In the event of a vehicle rollover, first ensure that the child's car seat is securely fastened and does not move loosely. Teach children to maintain a curled-up position to protect their head and neck in case of an accident, and not to suddenly jump up. After the rollover, comfort the child to prevent them from being overly frightened, calmly reassure them that everything is fine and that adults are there to take care of them. Check their body for any bleeding or fractures, promptly bandage and treat injuries while waiting for rescue to arrive. Use a window breaker to shatter the glass and slowly climb out to seek help, avoiding forceful squeezing. It is advisable to keep some emergency supplies in the car, such as disinfectant and bandages, for treating minor wounds. When driving, I always avoid speeding, especially when turning, to maintain better control of the vehicle's balance. Regular vehicle maintenance, including timely checks of the suspension system's stability, is far more effective than dealing with issues after they occur.
After years of driving, I emphasize safety first. If the car rolls over, don't panic—take a deep breath immediately and stabilize your mindset. Fastening the seatbelt is crucial as it locks your body to prevent impact. Before the car comes to a complete stop after rolling, do not unbuckle the belt to minimize injury from shifting. Turn off the engine to prevent the risk of spontaneous combustion. Find an exit through the door or window—gently push or use a hammer to break the glass and escape, avoiding forceful actions. Call for help quickly, clearly stating your location and situation while waiting for assistance. For prevention, drive slower, especially on rough roads, and pay attention to speed limit signs. Regularly replace tires and check the chassis and shock absorbers to maintain vehicle stability. Simple habits can save lives.
