Cervical and thoracic spine injury from interactions with vehicle roofs in pure rollover crashes

► We study real-world spine injury sustained in pure rollover crashes. ► Real-world rollover spine injury is compared with cadaver experiment spine injury. ► Comparisons indicate major differences between rollover and cadaver spine injury. ► Torso inertia (diving) and roof intrusion both create potential for spine injury. ► Occupant kinematics and vehicle rollover performance need to be assessed dynamically.