Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

Utility vehicles generally have greater ground clearance than passenger cars, have greater ground clearance than passenger cars, allowing them to operate in a wider range of on-pavement and off-road conditions. This increased ground clearance also gives the vehicle a higher center of gravity than an ordinary passenger car, which affects the way it responds during cornering and sudden directional changes.

Greater ground clearance can provide a better view of the road ahead and may help the driver recognize developing hazards earlier. However, the Nissan Murano is not designed to negotiate turns at the same speeds as a lower conventional 2-Wheel Drive passenger vehicle, just as a low-slung sports car is not intended to perform effectively in off-road conditions. Avoid sharp steering inputs and high-speed cornering whenever possible.

As with other vehicles of this type, improper operation may cause the driver to lose control and can increase the possibility of a rollover.

In a rollover collision, an occupant who is not wearing a seat belt is significantly more likely to suffer a fatal injury than an occupant who is properly restrained.

Avoiding collision and rollover

WARNING Failure to operate the Nissan Murano in a safe, controlled, and responsible manner may result in loss of control, a collision, or a rollover.

Remain alert, anticipate changing road conditions, and use defensive driving techniques at all times.

Follow all applicable traffic laws and posted speed limits. Avoid excessive speed, fast cornering, abrupt lane changes, and sudden steering movements, because these actions can upset the vehicle's balance and lead to a loss of control.

As with any vehicle, loss of control may result in a collision with another vehicle or object, or it may cause the vehicle to roll over, particularly when the vehicle begins to slide sideways.

Stay attentive throughout every trip and do not drive while fatigued. Never operate the vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription or over-the-counter medication that may cause drowsiness or reduce concentration. Always wear the seat belt correctly as described in the "Safety - Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system" section of this manual, and make sure every passenger does the same.

Properly worn seat belts help reduce the risk and severity of injury during collisions and rollover accidents.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

Off-road recovery

While driving, the wheels on the right or left side of the Nissan Murano may unintentionally leave the paved road surface. If this happens, remain composed and use the procedure below to help maintain control of the vehicle.

This procedure is intended only as a general guide. Driver response must always be adapted to the vehicle's behavior, the condition of the shoulder and roadway, surrounding traffic, visibility, and other circumstances present at the time.

1. Remain calm and avoid reacting suddenly.

2. Do not apply the brakes abruptly while the wheels are off the paved surface.

3. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and attempt to maintain a straight, stable course.

4. When conditions permit, release the accelerator pedal slowly so the vehicle can reduce speed gradually without an abrupt transfer of weight.

5. If the path ahead is clear, continue steering generally parallel to the roadway while the vehicle slows. Do not attempt to turn sharply back onto the pavement before speed has been sufficiently reduced.

6. When traffic and road conditions make it safe, turn the steering wheel gradually until both tires return to the paved surface. After all tires are back on the road, make smooth steering corrections to position the vehicle securely within the appropriate lane.

• If the condition of the vehicle, shoulder, roadway, or surrounding traffic makes re-entry unsafe, continue slowing gradually and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop in a safe location away from the traffic lane.

Rapid air pressure loss

A rapid loss of tire pressure, commonly referred to as a blowout, may occur when a tire is punctured or damaged by striking a curb, pothole, or another road hazard. Driving with an underinflated tire can also generate excessive heat and contribute to a sudden loss of pressure.

Rapid tire-pressure loss can significantly affect the handling, directional stability, and steering response of the vehicle, particularly when traveling at highway speeds.

Reduce the risk of sudden pressure loss by maintaining the specified tire inflation pressure and regularly inspecting every tire for cuts, cracks, unusual wear, embedded objects, or other visible damage. If a tire rapidly loses air or blows out while the Nissan Murano is moving, use the following procedure to help retain control. This procedure is only a general guide.

The driver's actions must be adjusted to the condition of the vehicle, the road surface, traffic movement, available stopping space, and other circumstances surrounding the incident.

WARNING

When a tire suddenly loses pressure, the vehicle will usually pull or move toward the side of the damaged tire. A loss of control in this situation may cause a collision and result in serious personal injury.

To reduce the possibility of losing control:

• Do not apply the brakes suddenly or with excessive force.
• Do not release the accelerator pedal abruptly.
• Do not make a sudden or aggressive steering movement.

1. Remain calm and avoid overcorrecting the vehicle.

2. Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands and make controlled steering inputs to maintain a straight course.

3. When it is appropriate to do so, ease off the accelerator pedal gradually and allow the vehicle to slow in a controlled manner.

4. As speed decreases and conditions permit, steer smoothly toward a safe location away from moving traffic.

5. Apply the brake pedal lightly and progressively to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

6. Switch on the hazard warning flashers and contact a roadside emergency service for assistance with changing or repairing the tire.