What Is a Roll Over Protection System?
Roll Over Protection Systems are safety devices installed in some SUV and convertible cars. The devices will deploy once a vehicle is in danger of tipping over and can be installed by the manufacturer, or purchased separately.
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Types
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Roll Over Protection Systems include curtain airbags and roll-bars which will be deployed once sensors within a car have determined a tilt that will make a roll over inevitable. Curtain airbags are placed on the top of the doors and will form a cushion between the occupants and the window when activated. Protection roll-bars are mounted behind the back seat and will pop up with the help of a hydraulic system once the sensors have indicated imminent rollover danger to the on-board computer.
History
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Mercedes launched the first Roll Over Protection System in 1986 with the Roadster Convertible two seater. Volvo followed in the 1990's by fitting rollover hoops in their C70 convertibles. In 2001, Jaguar developed the Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTS) for their XK series, which not only included curtain airbags, but also seat belt tensioners that would keep the car's occupants strapped tightly to the seat in case of a roll over.
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Legislation
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While the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the European Commission implemented regulations for the installation of Roll Over Protection Systems in commercial vehicles such as construction machinery and tractors, there are no such provisions for vehicles for personal use in the United States or the European Union.
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