SUV Rollover Ratings Improve

Not only are there more new SUVs on the market, but more of them are receiving four-star rollover ratings than ever before. Of the 145 2007 SUVs tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 78  earned a four-star rating, compared to just 48 of the 103 tested from the 2006 model year.

The leap in safer SUVs is tied directly to the addition of standard electronic stability control — 86% of 2007 SUVs have it, compared to 43% in 2005. The system automatically applies brakes to each wheel when the car loses control while skidding or in other avoidance maneuvers.

Rollover accidents account for just 3% of all accidents but result in 33% of all traffic fatalities. The government has mandated that stability control be standard on all vehicles by 2012.

SUVs Show Improvements in Rollover Ratings (USA Today)