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This paper examines the directional handling characteristics of several vehicles in their original condition, then examines modifications to a few of these vehicles to determine if the handling characteristics can be made more forgiving of normal operators without sacrificing utility and without substantial increases in cost. These analyses of vehicles are made in the context of what normal operators are capable of performing with regards to steering response.

This paper presents the authors’ work on developing Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for light vehicles in mining and resources industries. Various international resource companies have identified rollover crashes of light vehicles (Pickups and SUV’s) as a serious problem for their own and contractor vehicles operating on their sites. The structural rollover protective systems that were used [and continue to be in some cases] were based on inadequate or no specific performance requirement(s) and resulted in a range of occupant protection outcomes. The authors developed and adopted structural requirements for rollover protection based on their; experience, research into rollover crashes, rollover protective systems, defined loading, intrusion and robustness criterion. The design criteria, analysis and testing processes used to develop the rollover protective structural systems are presented.