New Roof Crush Standards
Roof crush standards currently require that the roof withstand 1.5 times its weight in a roll over. However, that is not strong enough to help occupants necessarily survive one of the deadliest types of crashes: car rollovers which kill approximately 10,000 people a year. Now, the US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood announced new tougher standards.
The new regulation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will double the current roof strength requirement for light vehicles weighing up to 6,000 pounds. It specifies that both the driver and passenger sides of the roof must be capable of withstanding a force equal to three times the weight of the vehicle.
The current standard calls for roofs to withstand 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle, applied to one side of the roof, for light vehicles up to 6,000 pounds.
Heavier vehicles from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds, which have never been regulated, must now have both sides of the roof capable of withstanding a force equal to 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle.
According to the news release the phase in for these new standards will begin in 2012 and should be completed with the 2017 model year vehicles. The final rule can be found here.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a motor vehicle crash and feel we can assist please contact us at 919-677-0144.
