Hamble Campbell's Home Page

An occasional window on Hamble Campbell's world.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Socially unacceptable vehicles

AKA Selfish user vehicles.

AKA Sports Utility Vehicles.

These are too big. They clog up the road and get in the way. They use too much fuel and emit too much carbon dioxide. They are more dangerous to other road users than ordinary cars because of their large size. In an accident involving an SUV there is a greater risk to pedestrians as people tend to go underneath the wheels rather than over the bonnet.

I suppose people buy them because they make the driver feel safe and powerful. I presume also that people who buy them are the same sort of people who like to have status symbols and these cars are status symbols, telling the world that that the owner has plenty of money to spend on a big expensive car and large quantities of expensive fuel.

One idea I had is to ask people, at point of purchase, to sign a declaration to show that they understand the implications of buying and running a SUV. Maybe this might make them think again and choose something more responsible.

2 Comments:

  • At 26 October, 2005 19:19, Blogger Nick said…

    I have a btter idea - every SUV to be equipped, by law, with a sharpened 12-inch stiletto, pointing out of the steering column towards the driver. It would immeasurably improve standards of driving & reduce pedestrian casualties.

     
  • At 26 October, 2005 21:18, Blogger Irene Adler said…

    Nick - that sounds like a splendid idea.

     

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