The book is old with dated safety information, I believe. In the past, the high stance of older SUVs made them more dangerous to other drivers. However, recently, manufacturers have lowered the bumpers to meet with passenger cars and there is much more control for SUVs with new braking and suspension systems.
Sorry, but based on the study cited above, there is a statistically significant correlatation with larger cars and less traffic deaths. In sum, if you seek to lighten cars for gas mileage, the greater number of deaths will result. So, in fact, many of these liberal drivers will not be around in 10 years(but, at least, they will have succeeded in their aims at population control).
Like a lot of logic from my liberal friends, the issue is mispresented. The issue is not my lack of concern for fellow drivers by buying a large SUV; Really, it is why should I endanger my family because some smug hybrid driver tells me it is good for the environment and they are afraid of an SUV? They, not me, decided to purchase the shiny small deathtrap to save on gas and feel good about themselves. That’s their choice. I’m cool with it, but I wouldn’t endanger my family or myself to feel happy about what I’m doing for global warming, etc. (Go ahead and call me a selfish political indpendent!)
Lastly, if you truly want to be a truly “green” driver, why don’t you buy a motorcycle, too, for those small trips . . . they get great gas mileage.
