4 ms·
> Can't figure out why folks in Suburbia with one or two kids would choose an SUV It’s a mixture of status and an erroneous belief that people are going to be
by nluken 4y ago
> Can't figure out why folks in Suburbia with one or two kids would choose an SUV
It’s a mixture of status and an erroneous belief that people are going to be performing the tasks that necessitate an SUV more often than they actually will. Many also have a preference for sitting high (because it makes them feel powerful maybe?) and think SUVs are safer (which they are for their occupants, but to the detriment of everyone else on the road). But mostly status.
Minivans and estate cars aren’t “cool” in the US so people won’t consider them despite the fact that they frequently serve drivers' use cases better in non-rural areas.
- NovemberWhiskey 4y agoI think there are at least two practical factors: people think vehicles with larger mass will be safer in case of an accident; and the higher seating position helps with visibility. Of course, in both cases, this is an arms race; but it's not irrational.
- orwin 4y agoSUV are actually more deadly than regular cars even for the people inside. Unless you crash on a lighter vehicle, you're more likely to die, and especially if the SUV turns over. So advice for all SUV drivers (I know you already do that and don't need it, but just in case) : it's better to crash in the vehicle ahead of you than to swerve to avoid it.
- za3faran 4y agoDo you have a citation for your last claim? SUVs (and cars in general) have been getting safer over time, including electronic stability controls.
- orwin 4y agoCorrelation between road death increase and car sales increase only. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_vehicle_fatality_rate_in_U.S._by_year https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_vehicle_fatality_rate_in... The US is the only country to have this increase in the last ten years. But also, this is real advice: If you have the choice between risking a rollover and crashing in another vehicle, as a SUV driver, crash in the other vehicle. You might kill someone, but at least you'll be safe (and i know this is the primary factor in buying high-clearance SUVs).
- taylodl 4y agoIt's the same reason people who can't cook outfit their houses with semi-industrial kitchens: it's aspirational. They're hoping to buy a lifestyle while not realizing that's not how it works.