Rollover Testing of Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) for Accident Reconstruction 2011-01-1117

This paper presents results of full-scale instrumented rollover testing on ROV type recreational vehicles. Five tests were conducted using two instrumented side-by-side ROVs at speeds between 20 and 32 mph on unpaved surfaces. Each test vehicle was brought to speed and released, allowing remote steering inputs to initiate turn sequences resulting in rollover. Accelerations were determined using x, y, and z axis accelerometers mounted at the vehicle CG and recorded using a robust data acquisition system. Roll rates were measured using a rotation rate sensor. Roll rates and key acceleration events are presented for each test. Mapping and measurement of the test site includes photography and digital survey of resulting tire marks, impact marks and gouging. Documentation and reconstruction of test roll sequences includes roll rates, vehicle positions and velocities, peak accelerations by impact, and scratch mark and damage examination. These are included in the appendix .

The objective of this paper is to present the results of instrumented, real-world testing of ROVs in order to further the understanding of ROV rollover crashes. All phases of the rollover crash are shown including lead-in tire marks, roll initiation or “trip”, roll phase, and rest position. The results are helpful in the reconstruction of ROV rollover accidents.