The Misinformed are told (or assume) that SUVs are safer for their children, safer for them, carry more load, etc. The truth is (and there are several sources, including the NHTSA, that confirm this) that SUVs are dangerous – to you and to everyone else. They are built on a loophole in the law that classes them as light trucks, so they are not bound by the safety laws that other cars must meet. Automotive manufacturers will tell you ANYTHING to sell you one as their profit margins are HUGE – the average SUV brings in anywhere between $12K and 20K in pure profit. In this world you get what you pay for, and if they are making so much profit, how do you think they are building your huge vehicles? Can anyone say “shortcuts”? There are many high quality vehicles that are just as comfortable as an SUV, and can carry MORE than an SUV (e.g. The Audi RS6 Avant – which also comes with 4WD, 500BHP+, and all the safety ratings required of a road-going vehicle). Then, of course, there are the environmental concerns, which are mostly covered up. Most people expect that “modern” vehicles must be made to a specific standard, but they are not told of the “light truck” loophole that means the SUV does not need to meet strict emissions and fuel consumption guidelines.

The other category, the Inconsiderate, are unfortunately where a large number of SUV owners fall. The ones who park in compact spaces (and Ad-Zilla is correct – it is a privilege reserved for people who are willing to “sacrifice” and not purchase an anti-social vehicle), the ones who don’t care how much the SUV pollutes, the ones who don’t care that they are more likely to KILL other people. These are the same people who buy the SUV thinking it’s a status symbol. Thinking it costs a lot of money. Well, my compact car costs a lot more than your SUV (a Porsche), and yet I get high fuel efficiency, I meet all EPA and CARB emissions standards, I’m not a danger to other people on the road, yet I can also leave virtually anyone in the dust and I get a lot of attention if I want it. I don’t need spinning alloy wheels either (which are another danger of their own).

Unfortunately SUVs now make 50% of the sales in the US, and that will probably keep growing. The American population are (generally) highly opinionated, and the more you tell them NOT to get something, the more they will want to get it. The large physical size and imposing nature of the SUV fits the American personality so well, which is what (probably more than any other reason) has made them so popular. It is well known – world-wide – that the US is famous for the BIG IS BETTER mentality. Bigger displacement (”No replacement for displacement”), bigger cars, bigger buildings, bigger food portions, bigger people, bigger pets, bigger everything. No matter if it kills your neighbor. Also, several studies have shown that people like the “evil” looking large SUVs as they can intimidate other drivers to get out of the way. I’ve had SUVs tailgating me before, and knowing SUV structural design and engineering, I sometimes want to get out of their way (rather than have to exceed the speed limit by too much).

Of course, not all Americans are like this – but unfortunately a sizable (and very vocal) portion of this society ARE like this (backed by numerous studies).

I, for one, actually hope that gas prices continue to rise exponentially. Auto manufacturers have already seen a dip in people (especially in California) buying SUVs and opting for more fuel-efficient vehicles. The only way to convince people is to hit them in their pocket on a daily basis. Seeing gas stations with $6.00/gallon price tags will do the trick, I’d wager.

Appealing to the better side of people in the US is a lost cause. I completely expect some foul mouthed SUV driver to get ultra defensive with me (if anyone is still reading this thread, of course), citing their own personal views. Unfortunately, everyone thinks they are a saint and it’s NEVER their fault (thats another problem with this society – nobody takes responsibility for their actions, hence the extremely disproportionate amount of ridiculous lawsuits).

Thanks,

S.