Split:Why drive an SUV?

I drive an SUV. I have for 12 years. Not one accident. I know that it takes longer to slow down and that I have to look before I change lanes because the blind spot is bigger.

Bad drivers drive all kinds of cars.

I'm not a "dickhead in an SUV".

Blanket statements like the one you just made just aren't accurate.

This was a terrible tragedy and it doesn't seem like the facts are all in as to how it happened and why the driver took off. Sure, it could turn out that it was an asshole who left the scene full well knowing what they did. Or maybe not.

That said, it's an issue regarding THAT driver and THIS accident.

Should we examine every aspect of your lives - Vanilla and Oisuea? Make sure you recycle? That you're not spoiling your children? That you shop at the Co-op? Do you ride a bicycle to work? Do you do volunteer work? Do you refuse to ride as a passenger in an SUV if a friend or taxi picks you up in one?

Let's see if you pass all of these tests that you so easily hold the rest of the world to.

I have to agree...it's just not necessary unless you need it for work/hauling. And if you were to get into an accident you could do much more damage to the person in the other car. I'm not saying that your car choice is a reflection upon you as a human being but SUVs are a big problem in the grand scheme of things.

Then again, I think too many in this people drive and would like to see less cars on the road.

A few things.

a) I own it. Financial reasons means I will beat it to the ground. It's been extremely reliable
b) I drive fairly long distances with it packed full of stuff that I can't carry in a car. I often make these trips in bad weather. I don't drive like a lunatic in any conditions - and certainly not in snowy or icy roads.
c) I drive less than 4,000 miles a year. I'm not popping all over town with it as an every day car.

I drive a "normal sized" SUV. Not some suped-up tank car.

Everybody is free to their own opinion on them, and on me for driving one.

However, I still believe that a blanket statement labeling all SUV drivers as selfish, careless, dickheads, etc. is just plain not true or fair.

Driving a motorcycle is also seriously risky. I'm not in ANY way saying that this accident wasn't tragic or in some way her fault....but you simply don't have protection if you should wipe out or be hit. I have lost SEVERAL friends and acquaintences to motorcycle accidents. Personally, the freedom/fun etc. that they offer just aren't worth the safety trade off for me.

zipcar, zipcar, zipcar!

then you can rent a hatchback or an SUV or a mini cooper or a tacoma.

that's my $0.02 for those (like me) who only need to drive sporadically.

Personally I have no problem with small SUV's. Frankly I would prefer to have a station wagon. My parents owned three when we were growing up including the large brown "Brady Bunch" wagon I drove throughout high school that sat nine. Unfortunately, very few wagons are made these days and those that are have less space than the small SUV's or are extremely costly. (Think BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, etc). So I've got my 1998 Honda.

In my mind, I draw a line between SUV's like the Jeep Cherokee and the Honda Pilot and huge behemoths like the Hummer, Escalade, Navigators, etc. Those cars get horrible gas milage, are basically converted trucks and are not used by anyone who has to haul or carry stuff. You never see contractors pull up in an Escalde, only ice cream guys.