Re: SUV hazards

["David R Johnson" <johnsnd@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Jan 7,  5:05pm, Thomas Washburn wrote:

> That SUVs subject everyone to more driving hazards
> is a stretch.  Because they're more massive?
> Because they don't handle as well?

Because they are heavy, but particularly because the bumpers are so high.  If
you doubt this is true, perhaps you missed the URL for an interesting article
posted by Dana Loomis (AD-368).  Ratio of deaths between occupants of car
striking and car struck is 1:6.  For SUV striking to car struck it is 1:27.
 You DON'T want to be hit by an SUV!

> How heavy is too heavy?  Tell the cops
> to pull over all offenders, be they drivers of
> Chevy Blazers, Mercedes S320s, pickups, big rigs,
> schoolbuses, Cadillacs, Bentley Mulsannes, etc.

At least the drivers of the big rigs and busses have to pass a driving test
that is worth something, unlike for SUVs (and cars) where a blind wombat would
be hard pressed to fail ;-).  No offence to Aussie readers intended...

BTW the URL was http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1998/106-12/forum.html#safe

Dave J.

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