The SUV question

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

I think the point about the negligent SUV driver is that many of these 
vehicles are sufficiently different that perhaps a different class of 
driver training might be a good idea. The trouble with the SUV partly 
results from it being marketed as a passenger vehicle which legally and 
actually it isn't really.

Far to many people seem to wheel around in these monsters without 
considering that they are not driving a nice convenient passenger car with 
good all around visibility etc etc. Case in point, my 86 SAAB 9000 was 
recently dinged by a young woman driving the family van. She apparently 
managed to reverse in a 105 degree turn around the back of my properly 
parked car, striking the front fender! These "mini" vans have appalling 
rear visibility, and most SUVs are worse.

Interestingly, PBS excellent newsmagazine show Frontline" will be 
broadcasting an in depth look at SUV manufacture and sale in late February. 
I intend to take that show in and see if the Emperor really does have no 
clothes....

Rant portion follows here: How does the US government legislate bumper 
height for passenger cars but not for SUVs? How does the US government keep 
a straight face when defending its safety and emission laws that have kept 
so many interesting cars out of the US market.? Let's not get into an 
odious debate about the restraint of trade aspects of this entire 
phenomenon...though I belive Frontline may have something to say about this 
issue, maybe indirectly.
Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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