Injuries in Rollovers by Crash Severity

Earlier studies by the authors have examined factors that contribute to rollover crash severity. These factors include: (1) belt use, (2) the number of quarter-turns aggregated according to number of vehicle inversions, and (3) the damage severity from planar impacts with fixed and non-fixed objects that occur before or during the rollover. Further research indicated that rollovers with severe damage from planar impacts should be analyzed separately from other rollovers since the injury rates for these crashes is 2 to 3 times greater than equivalent rollover crashes with less severe damage. This paper separates rollovers into two categories, based on the presence or absence of severe damage from a planar crash. The research then examines the distribution of MAIS 3+ injuries and harm by body region and contact for belted adult occupants in each rollover category. The rollover categories are further examined using the number of vehicle inversions to quantify rollover crash severity. Based on the analysis, the magnitude of the opportunities for injury and harm reduction through safety enhancements such as air curtains and safety belts designed for rollover protection is examined.