What occurs when a vehicle turns and its weight shifts from side to side?

When a vehicle turns and its weight shifts from side to side, it exhibits a movement known as roll. This term refers to the tilting of the vehicle's body around its longitudinal axis, which is the axis that runs from the front to the back of the vehicle. During a turn, centrifugal force causes the vehicle to lean or tilt toward the outside of the turn, which is characterized by the weight distribution shifting laterally.

Understanding roll is crucial for vehicle dynamics, as it affects handling, stability, and passenger comfort. For instance, a significant roll can lead to a loss of traction and increase the risk of a rollover accident, especially in taller vehicles.

In contrast, pitch and yaw describe different movements: pitch involves the vehicle tilting forward or backward around the lateral axis (like during acceleration or braking), while yaw refers to the vehicle rotating around its vertical axis (such as turning left or right without rolling). The term "shift" lacks a specific definition in this context, making roll the most suitable choice for describing the side-to-side weight transfer during a vehicle turn.