How Volvo's Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) Works?

If a vehicle loses traction in case of an accident, there is a risk of tipping over onto its side or a complete rollover. This can be a very dangerous situation for the driver and passengers. Auto manufacturers strive to come up with better designs and features to prevent such incidents. For instance, Volvo introduced a rollover protection system (ROPS).

Volvo’s rollover prevention system is a safety feature that prevents the vehicle from rolling over and protects the driver and passengers of the vehicle if it does roll over.

In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the rollover protection system in Volvo.

How Volvo’s ROPS Works

A gyroscope in vehicles equipped with a rollover prevention system (ROPS) continuously monitors the tilt of the vehicle. ROPS regulates the risk of vehicle falling based on information acquired from the stabiliser system’s sensors (Roll Stability Control: RSC). When a hazard exists, it activates the electronic stability control (ESC) system and reduces engine torque which keeps the car from rolling over or skidding.

car rollover accident — Rollover accidents account for a large number of road accidents and fatalities

When the car is about to rollover, a rotation rate sensor measures the rotation of the car about its centre line and provides a signal to the rollover mitigation system. The needed brake forces are applied to each wheel as the rollover mitigation system (which is coupled to the traction control system) is activated. The system also steers the vehicle and adjusts the car suspension so that it remains as stable as possible on the road.

If the driver tries to push the car beyond its capacity, the integrated rollover safety system activates to prevent the vehicle from rolling over. When a risk of rolling over is detected, a gyro sensor measures how much and how quickly the vehicle inclines. If a rollover occurs despite this, the interior restraint system helps to protect the driver and passengers. The inflatable curtains in Volvo also remain fully inflated for many seconds to provide protection during the entire process of rollover.

How Do Rollover Accidents Occur?

Rollover accidents mostly occur during cornering. When a driver tries to turn through a corner too quickly, the car loses control and it rolls over. Top-heavy vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, which are taller and narrower, are more likely to tip over. This is due to their higher centre of gravity. When these vehicle turn around a car at a high speed, the car’s centre of gravity changes to one side, resulting in a roll-over. In case if the car rolls over, the driver should prioritize their and other passengers’ safety and avoid these things after car accident.

It is worth noting that ROPS is not the same as falling object protective structure (FOPS). The design aspects of a ROPS and a FOPS are quite similar hence they both are often thought of as the same devices. The sole purpose of FOPS is to protect those inside the vehicle from falling from overhead.