roll cage

American  

noun

1. a system of metal bars fitted around the seating area of a vehicle, especially a racing car, to prevent the occupants from being crushed if the vehicle rolls over.

---

Etymology

Origin of roll cage

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Mills’ head smashed into a side bar on his roll cage, leaving a noticeable black smear on his helmet that is still visible today.

From Washington Times • Jul. 10, 2016

It has no roof, just a roll cage, and looks similar to the regular Miata except that all the creature comforts have been removed, replaced by a fire extinguisher and five-point harness.

From The Verge • Apr. 26, 2016

Early test mules of the car, driven off-site, had no body panels — just a driver sitting inside a roll cage.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2015

Cars will feature an additional forward roof bar and a center roof support bar that will intersect near the front center of the roll cage.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2012

Belanger lined up for a front-wheel-drive heat in his 1995 Acura Integra, which he bought for $200 and fitted with a roll cage.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2010