Demolishing Myths about SUVs

Who has been buying SUVs since automakers turned them into family vehicles? They tend to be people who are insecure and vain. They are frequently nervous about their marriages and uncomfortable about parenthood. They often lack confidence in their driving skills. Above all, they are apt to be self-centered and self-absorbed, with little interest in the neighbors or communities. That’s not a cynic talking–that’s the auto industry’s own market researchers and executives.

There are now 20 million SUVs in the nation’s garages and we have barely seen the beginning of the SUV boom. Ad campaigns sing their virtues and safety but safety records show the opposite, says longtime New York Times Detroit bureau chief Keith Brasher. He’s the author of the new book “High and Mighty SUVs: The World’s Most Dangerous Vehicles and How They Got that Way.” (www.onpointradio.org)

This is a radio (in real audio format) program that every American of driving age should listen to. I can’t explain in words how much I agree with Keith Brasher.