Risks of Lifted Vehicles

As part of our 2017 Summer Safety Series, we’re weighing in on balancing the aesthetic & performance reasons to lift a vehicle versus the risks these vehicles pose.  Before you invest money in lifting your car, truck, or SUV with larger tires or a raised suspension, we ask that you consider these potential dangers.

The Potential for Rollover

Lifted vehicles increase the chance of rollovers, which are some of the most devastating car accidents you can be involved in. Unmodified SUVs already have the highest rate of rollover. Add a lift kit or large tires, and you increase the risk of rollover even further.  In addition, these vehicles have farther to fall during a tip-over, so there’s a higher risk of injury.

Rear-ending Damage

Rear-ending someone in a normal vehicle can cause potential injury or death, although unlikely at slow speeds. But at any speed, hitting a car from behind while driving a lifted vehicle can be devastating. The raised bumper level has the potential to total a low-profile car, truck, or even SUV, causing vehicular damage at the least, and serious injury or a fatality at the worst.

Impaired Visibility

Accidents involving lifted vehicles can cause significant damage to another, even when lifted only 6 or 8 inches. Vehicles need to stay at a certain distance to allow drivers in all cars to see more of the road and to avoid hazards. Lifting an automobile decreases range of visibility and increases blind spots.

Headlight Hazards

The headlights on lifted cars, trucks, and SUVs are higher than almost any other vehicle on the streets. This means that anyone driving in front of a lifted vehicle can be blinded by the lifted vehicle’s headlights.

Unsafe Center of Gravity

Tall vehicles have a high center of gravity, which makes it difficult for their drivers to suddenly stop or avoid hazards if necessary. Even at very low speeds, a high center of gravity works against the most alert drivers.

Hazards in Parking Lots

Lifted vehicles in parking lots increase the risk of injury in a setting that’s already naturally dangerous. Small children, elderly, impaired people, and those who are just not paying attention can come into the blind spot of a lifted vehicle that’s maneuvering forward or backing up.

Tips for Driving Near Lifted Vehicles

We hope these risks cause you to reconsider lifting your vehicle, but if you do decide to drive one, you can reduce your risks by:

• Staying a safe distance away from the vehicles around you
• Use consistent motions when changing lanes or passing
• Stay alert & never drive while distracted

The state of Texas has clear requirements for the height of passenger cars and trucks on Texas roads. All drivers should be aware of the current laws for safe vehicle heights.

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a lifted vehicle, the attorneys at Patterson Law Group would like to talk to you. Reach out to us by filling out the contact form on this page.

Image via Michael Gil