Explorer Rollover Deaths
According to an article we recently read, a new report, Ford Explorers in Fatal, Tire-related Crashes: Before and After the Firestone Recall, written by Randy and Alice Whitfield, discussed the finding that approximately 65% of 501 deaths occurred after the Bridgestone-Firestone Wildnerness ATX tire recall - which is what was blamed for 173 Explorer rollover deaths in 2000. Apparently for two years following the recall, there was a decline in Explorer rollover deaths. However, after those initial two years, the death toll started to rise again. One could possibly conclude that a long-term solution to the tires and rollover related deaths has not yet been achieved. One might also question, is there a deeper vehicle related issue.
Continuing to look at the tires is important, but also it may be important to look toward the steering mechanisms in the SUV, especially those in tire failure situations.
