Roll cage facts for kids
A roll cage is a special safety frame built inside or sometimes around a vehicle's passenger area. It's usually made from strong steel tubes that are welded together. The main job of a roll cage is to protect people inside the vehicle if it rolls over or crashes.
You'll often see roll cages in auto racing cars and off-road vehicles, like those used in rockcrawling. Besides keeping people safe, a roll cage also makes the vehicle stronger and more rigid. This helps the vehicle handle better, especially during fast turns or rough terrain. When a roll cage is built on the outside of a vehicle, it's often called an "exo-cage."
Different Types of Roll Cages
Roll cages come in many different designs. The type of cage used depends on what the vehicle is for. For example, different racing groups have their own rules and needs for roll cages.
A roll bar is a simpler version, usually just a single bar placed behind the driver. It offers some protection, but not as much as a full cage. Some modern convertible cars use a very strong windshield frame that acts like a roll bar. Also, some convertibles have a "roll hoop" behind each front headrest.
A newer safety feature, first seen in 1989, involves hidden roll hoops. These hoops stay out of sight until sensors detect that the vehicle might roll over. Then, the hoops quickly pop up and lock into place to protect the people inside. Cars like the Peugeot 307 CC, Volvo C70, and Jaguar XK use this kind of system.
Roll bars were also used on older farm tractors. Today, many modern tractors have full roll cages as part of their cab to keep farmers safe.
How Roll Cages Are Built
A roll cage isn't just a few steel tubes welded together. It needs to be designed very carefully to support the entire weight of the vehicle if it flips over or lands upside down.
A basic roll bar usually connects to the vehicle's frame (called the chassis) at four different points. A more complex roll cage might connect at eight or more points, making it much stronger.
Many professional companies make roll cages designed for specific cars or trucks. You can also buy kits that are easier to move around. These kits come with all the parts you need, and they are then welded together inside the vehicle.
Images for kids
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A racecar roll cage inside a Suzuki Swift
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A racecar body with an integrated roll cage
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A roll cage in a Porsche 997 GT3 RS
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A race car stripped down to its roll cage and fire walls
