An accident from last Saturday involving two Boy Scouts led to one adult fatality and other passenger injuries when the vehicle rolled over close to Lake Henshaw. Like many rollover crashes, this accident only involved one vehicle, but it illustrates just how devastating a rollover crash can be. Investigators on the scene were unable to determine what caused the Saturday morning accident. Some of the accident victims had to be pulled out of the vehicle before receiving medical attention.

When the paramedics arrived, one adult was pronounced dead and two others were taken from the scene in an ambulance. The Boy Scouts, however, were transported by helicopter to area hospitals.

Although most vehicle rollovers only involve one car or truck, they can cause other accidents by blocking the roadway and leading to pileups. Individuals in the impacted vehicle during a rollover crash may sustain severe injuries, including:

  • Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Lacerations and burns

Sometimes, these injuries can make an accident victim’s life very difficult after a rollover crash. In the worst cases, an individual could be paralyzed or facing years of expensive medical treatments and devastating pain.

There are several steps you can take to avoid being in a rollover accident. These include:

  • Always slow down to make turns. One of the most common reasons for a vehicle to roll is that the car approaches a turn at a high rate of speed.
  • Always wear seatbelts. Did you know that 65 percent of individuals who died in rollover accidents were not wearing their seatbelts? In a rollover crash, you face a much higher risk of being thrown about or out of the vehicle. Decrease your risk of severe injuries by always wearing a seatbelt.
  • Ensure that tires are always properly balanced. If your tires are not aligned and balanced properly, you’re at a higher risk of being involved in a rollover crash.
  • Be aware of the weather. If conditions are bad, make sure you slow down. If you cannot see the road due to heavy rain or other issues, pull over and let the storm pass. Your safety is not worth severe injuries like this.
  • Share the road with others. When you’re too close to other vehicles, you’re at risk of being in an accident like a rollover crash.