What to do when you go upside down.
Rollovers are a double-edged sword in the world of off-roading. On the one hand, they provide thrilling entertainment for spectators. Just like watching a NASCAR racer plow a wall at 150 mph, when you see rednecks three rows deep at a trail obstacle, nine times out of 10 they're waiting for the rollover. On the other hand, rollovers can represent a real loss of money, pride, and, in some unfortunate circumstances, physical well being for the occupant(s). There are certain inevitabilities in life. There will always be death, there will always be taxes, and Jeeps that get taken off-road will sometimes roll. So if you find yourself in this unhappy circumstance, here are some things to consider as you assess the damage, right the vehicle, and hopefully get it home.
Before You Roll
It sounds a little ominous to plan on rolling, but if you have a game plan in place, you and your passengers will stand a much better chance of escaping a tumble without injury. First, make sure you've got a good rollcage. At the very least, Wranglers and CJs are going to want the factory rollbar. With all of the companies making aftermarket cages for Jeeps nowadays, there's really no excuse to be unprepared. A cage that is tied to the frame in several places is best, but even a cage with large foot plates that can't punch through the floor is better than nothing.Second, make sure everything in your Jeep, including you and your passengers, will be secured. This goes beyond everybody having a seatbelt and actually using it, but you'd be surprised at how many rollovers we've heard of or witnessed where occupants were ejected because they thought it wasn't macho to wear a belt. Make sure the belts are in good shape and can be adjusted securely. Kids should have adequate belt coverage or a properly secured car seat. Have your passengers look around for a good hand-hold like on the bottom of the seats or a secure grab handle. You don't want them instinctively grabbing for the rollcage or roof and losing fingers and limbs. Finally, ensure that there are no loose objects that can come dislodged and fly about like missiles. A flashlight can cause real damage, and a jack or spare axleshaft could kill somebody.Third, make sure you've got a fire extinguisher within easy reach of both the driver and front-seat passenger. A good place is usually in the middle of the floor near the shifter. In the event one of the front-seat passengers is knocked unconscious and a fire erupts, you want both occupants to have easy access to the extinguisher.Fourth, make sure your factory rollover check valve in the fuel tank is functional. Jeeps running a fuel cell should either install a check valve in the breather tube or make sure the one that came with the tank is functional. You don't want a steady stream of fuel dumping out of the tank if the Jeep comes to a rest upside down.Finally, make sure your positive battery terminal is covered and protected from smashed metal. You don't want the battery to arc on crumpled sheet metal, potentially starting a fire.
During the Roll
There's that moment when you just know you're going to go for a ride. In that split second between thinking it's not going to happen and coming to terms with the fact that things are about to get hairy, try to keep your calm.If you're the driver, you're going to want to grip the steering wheel at the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions with both hands and make sure to keep your thumbs out of the wheel so they don't get broken off when the tires grab and the wheel jerks. If you're the passenger, think back to where your safe hand-hold was and grab on tight. Whether it's an oh-S#!T bar on the dash or simply grabbing the bottom of the seat frame between your legs, make a conscious effort to keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle and away from the rollbar and roof where your fingers and limbs could get smashed between the cage and the ground.If there's broken and flying glass, just shut your eyes and try to go with the Jeep. It's better to get an extra bump or two because you couldn't anticipate the Jeep's movements than to have a shard of glass ruin your eyesight.
As Soon As You Stop
As soon as the Jeep comes to a rest, the driver should make sure the ignition switch is turned off. Then the driver should make sure everyone is OK as he/she quickly assesses the situation. How is the Jeep oriented? Are there any imminent dangers like falling off a cliff, open wounds, or unconscious passengers? If not, the driver should make sure both the Jeep's transmission and T-case are in gear and the emergency brake is set.Grab the fire extinguisher before exiting. If you're upside down, make sure to brace yourself before unfastening the seatbelt so you don't go tumbling. If there are injuries, grab the first-aid kit if it's readily accessible, but don't worry too much at this point if it's not. Chances are, somebody outside will have one they can grab or will get it from the rolled vehicle once everybody is outside and accounted for.
Getting Out
If the Jeep is on its side, the passenger closest to the top should get out first, being careful not to step or fall on those below. If the doors won't open and the Jeep has a soft top, go ahead and unzip the side window and crawl out while being aware of any vehicle movement. Try not to kick or punch out a window for exit unless it's absolutely necessary. The chances of being severely cut by broken glass are very high.If the Jeep feels like it wants to tip over as you're exiting, wait for your trailcompanions to secure the vehicle with straps. If anybody has a neck or back injury and the situation is secure, don't move them. It's better to wait for professional emergency services to arrive and remove the injured person from the vehicle on a back board than to risk spinal injury.