Field tests of a roll-over prevention system for quad-bikes

A quad-bike has relative short wheelbase, high ground clearance, large wheels, a powerful engine, and can become lethal if it is used inappropriately. Each year many drivers are killed or seriously injured in different types of rollover accidents, where the driver may face choking, internal bleeding, and crushing. We have thus developed and tested an active system to prevent rollover accidents. It is based on inertial sensors, pneumatic actuators, and mechanical retractable legs. The system tracks the vehicle orientation and velocity in real time. If the vehicle is predicted to overturn the system activates functions to prevent a rollover. The system was field tested in snowy conditions, in a sand pit, and in a steep slope. The system was able to prevent rollover accidents both sideways and backwards.