New tests performed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have found that many popular 2004-model sport-utility vehicles tend to roll over as a result of certain driving manoeuvres.

NHTSA, the U.S. federal car-safety regulator, track-tested tested 36 SUVs and 13 tipped up on two wheels. This is considered the first step in a rollover accident.

In response to rollover concerns among consumers, the auto industry has done several things. Many of today's SUVs come with a lower centre of gravity than was common in early versions of SUVs and newer vehicles such as the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder and others are being equipped with independent suspensions that help stabilize the vehicle's handling

In addition, automakers are equipping their SUVs with a variety of rollover sensors and electronic stability control devices. The technologies detect if a vehicle is starting to roll. If so, the technologies set in motion a series of countermeasures, including applying brakes to individual wheels.

Nissan officials say their 2005 Pathfinder has not been tested by federal regulators for a rollover rating, but they say they expect the new model to score very well. All 2005 Pathfinders will come standard with a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system for stable ride dynamics both on- and off-road.

For more information on rollover rankings, visit http://www.safercar.gov.

Consumers Union (http://www.ConsumerReports.org) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (http://www.iihs.org) also conduct safety tests and post their rankings for potential buyers to see.