Are Convertibles and Open-Top SUVs More Dangerous Than Other Vehicles?

The Answer Might Surprise You

As long ago as the late 1950s and early 1960s, consumer advocates were scrutinizing the safety of cars and trucks on American highways. For instance, Ralph Nader’s 1965 exposé “Unsafe at Any Speed” all but destroyed the reputation – and ultimately the sales – of the Chevrolet Corvair, making Nader a nationally recognized figure who even ran for president multiple times. The following year, perhaps stemming in part from the Corvair controversy, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Then, in an ironic 1972 decision, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that Nader’s claims about the Corvair had been overblown.

However, concerns about automotive safety didn’t end there. Eight years later, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety targeted the Jeep CJ-5 (distant ancestor of today’s Jeep Wrangler) for rollover issues, in the end causing American Motors Corporation to discontinue production of the legendary vehicle which had cost the company millions of dollars in product liability lawsuit settlements. That was followed by the Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports magazine, condemning the compact Suzuki Samurai SUV, labeling its safety rating “not acceptable” in 1988 due to its purported propensity to roll over. (Suzuki and Consumers Union eventually settled a lengthy legal dispute over the situation, claiming to have cultivated “mutual respect” for each other in the process.)

For many years, other reports have also linked convertibles from various manufacturers to higher safety risks for drivers and passengers in rollover accidents, since it is believed occupants are more easily ejected from those vehicles due to their soft tops. At one point, American-made convertibles were even thought to be going extinct! Even today some folks continue to believe that convertibles pose unnecessary dangers to their owners. But are convertibles actually more hazardous to drive than other types of cars? And do small SUVs still pose higher rollover risks than other vehicles? We set out to learn the truth, which can hopefully help our fellow Michiganders be as safe as possible when they travel this summer.

Are Convertibles Truly More Dangerous Than Other Cars in Rollover Accidents?

 
To accurately answer that question, we looked to various industry and governmental safety reports. And, sadly, it does appear that convertibles can be more dangerous than other cars in certain situations and types of accidents… yet, surprisingly, they’re somewhat safer in other circumstances. Specifically, data cited by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety using NHTSA test results shows that people driving convertibles are more likely to be ejected in a fatal crash than drivers of hardtops. The IIHS study states, “21 percent of the convertible drivers killed in crashes were ejected from the vehicle, compared with 17 percent for conventional cars.” However, the same research also noted that ragtops are involved in fewer accidents per mile driven – which may be due to the improved visibility inherent in driving with the top down. Viewed from that perspective, it’s possible to conclude that convertibles could actually be safer than hardtops. Despite this potentially confusing mixed bag of statistics, insurance companies often charge more to cover convertibles than other styles of cars for several reasons, including higher purchase prices and repair costs, a greater susceptibility to theft due to the vulnerable soft top, and other factors. Finally, automotive enthusiast website MotorBiscuit claims convertibles tend to have less structural reinforcement than traditional sedans, which could also lead to safety concerns in the event of a collision.

You may also consider that convertibles are exempt from NHTSA roof crush standards, since there’s nothing automobile manufacturers can do to make a cloth top withstand extreme pressures. What’s more, roll bars (structural reinforcements designed to protect occupants from being crushed in a rollover) are not required for convertibles under federal safety rules. It’s up to you if you feel you can live with these risks, knowing that hardtop cars, trucks and SUVS do have to meet government-mandated standards for crush resistance.

The bottom line is that convertibles have both upsides and possible risks to take into consideration if you’re thinking about selecting one as your next vehicle. So, make sure to do your research and make the decision that is best for you.

Are Jeep Wranglers Still Prone to Rollovers?

 
Rollover issues may indeed continue to be a problem for the iconic Jeep Wrangler. As reported last summer by Motor Trend magazine, 2022 Wranglers continued to flip in specific IIHS crash tests, a problem first reported with the 2019 model. Earlier model Wranglers were also criticized for having a higher than average rollover risk, with one NHTSA study claiming the previous Wrangler design had a 27.9 percent chance of rolling over. Another problem noted by some Wrangler owners is a severe (not to mention quite frightening) unexpected vibration in the front end that’s been called the “death wobble” by some drivers who have experienced it. The Detroit Free Press reported a fix for that issue has been developed, and the manufacturer told the paper there had been no fatalities resulting from it. If you decide to buy a used Wrangler, you may wish to be sure that it has been properly repaired to resolve this potential problem. The NHTSA website will let you check your Jeep’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if any open recalls are listed for your specific vehicle. (By the way, this system will work for finding recalls issued on any car registered in the United States – not just Jeeps!)

What About Other SUVs and Trucks?

 
As noted by Consumer Reports, vehicles with high centers of gravity like vans, trucks, and SUVs, are more prone to flip over in a crash than typical sedans or convertibles. However, thanks in part to their size and some recent, improved safety features, the magazine states that many late-model SUVs have lower rollover crash death rates than newer passenger cars. However, it’s important to understand that numerous factors play into accident statistics, and that of the 10 vehicles considered to be the most dangerous on the road today, only half are pickups or SUVs. On the flip side the IIHS publishes an annual list of the safest vehicles on the road in categories ranging from small cars all the way to large SUVs, pickups and minivans. If you’re looking for a vehicle to effectively protect your most precious cargo – the people you love – that list might be a good place to start your shopping.

How to Avoid Rollover Accidents

 
As you can probably guess, collisions and accidents in which vehicles roll over are some of the most hazardous incidents you can experience on the road. Consumer Reports, which notes that rollovers amount to just three percent of accidents while causing 30 percent of fatalities, has even published a comprehensive article specifically aimed at helping drivers avoid this type of crash. Among their advice: check your tires for tread wear and proper inflation, don’t overload vehicles or add cargo that makes your SUV top-heavy, wear safety belts to help prevent ejection, and always obey posted speed limits.

If You Find Yourself Hurt in a Rollover– or Any Type of Accident – Call Us

 
After this quick crash course in convertible and SUV safety, we hope you and your loved ones will enjoy accident-free travel for the remaining months of summer. But if you have the misfortune of getting hurt in an accident, know that we’re always here for you. All it takes to get us on your side, helping you receive the compensation you deserve, is a single phone call to 855-MIKE-WINS (855-645-3946). Give us a call today, or reach us online, 24/7!

Content checked by Mike Morse, personal injury attorney with Mike Morse Injury Law Firm. Mike Morse is the founder of Mike Morse Law Firm, the largest personal injury law firm in Michigan. Since being founded in 1995, Mike Morse Law Firm has grown to 150 employees, served 25,000 clients, and collected more than $1 billion for victims of auto, truck and motorcycle accidents. The main office is in Southfield, MI but you can also find us in Detroit, Sterling Heights and many other locations.