ABSTRACT
A rollover accident requires different kinds of analysis, and different kinds of inspection techniques, as compared to crashes into objects or other vehicles. Except for crashes involving a quarter roll from its wheels onto its side, it does not consist of a single collision. Instead, it entails a whole series of crashes that occur every time the vehicle contacts the ground. As a whole, the string of crashes in a rollover is a random, chaotic sequence. It is almost completely lacking in repeatability. However, if the sequence can be determined, it is usually possible to know the approximate translational and rotational speeds the vehicle possessed when they occurred. This may be important information, especially if an occupant is ejected.
Chapter 15 discusses tripped versus onroad rollovers and measures of severity, such as speed at initiation, number of rolls, and distance from initiation to rest. It describes the type of evidence to be looked for on the vehicle, and shows several examples. It also discusses vehicle inspection techniques, along with useful suggestions for how to document and describe physical evidence. Similarly, Chapter 15 describes techniques to be used and evidence to be looked for at scene inspections. Various examples of scene evidence are shown.
