>It is exactly the combination of high CG, large mass and soft suspension
that makes SUVs so roof-happy, especially in avoidance maneuvers at speed,
when a high rate steering input combined with the vehicle's velocity create
very high forces acting against the cushy suspension systems these vehicle
are typically equipped with. The sudden inputs required to correct for a
blown tire are an example of what to do if you want to put your typical SUV
on it's roof. If it were me, I'd crank the pressure up to reduce tire body
heating on my way to the tire store to buy some Michelins... Gary McCormick
San Jose, CA
Gary, Your logic is the same argument I would make. I wonder if at least
some of the drivers of these vehicles ever wonder over the physics of their
motion. I own a sports car. Why is it that I'm being passed by SUV's doing
85+ on any So. Cal. Freeway? Do they ever ponder what would happen if they
had to avoid a hazard? I do. They would become a placed hazard or several,
as the behemoth would break up into several large pieces before coming to
rest.
|