ALT-3 The Benefits and Costs of Suvs
The latest love affair in cars is the SUV. Everyone I know either has one or wishes they did. Out on the highway, I feel as if I'm in an SUV commercial! Some of the reasons people have fallen in love with them, however are more fiction than fact."I'm safer in an SUV, because they are bigger and heavier. The fact is that SUVs are not neccessarily safer. According to the August edition of MONEY, SUVs have a stiff frame that doesn't crumple on impact and absorb a crash, the way smaller vehicles do. This means the passengers will get the full impact. Furthermore, the stiff frame means stiffer driving with less response time to the steering. A split second's difference can mean the difference when trying to avoid hitting something. Finally, because most of the weight of the SUV is on the bottom, they have an increased tendency to roll. Most SUV roofs are weaker than that of a standard car.These days of high gas prices have painfully pointed out what we always knew, but didn't want to think about-SUVs are gas guzzlers. They not only cost more to drive, but cost more energy use.They are certainly not as comfortable to ride in as a standard automobile, but they can carry quite a load of supplies. SUVs also often cost more up front than other more standard vehicles.If they are not safer, they lack comfort and definitely not cheaper, why would someone want to own one? The most common reason is probably image. They are definitely the "in" thing right now, plus they look "macho". Since many define themselves by the vehicle they drive, this can be very important.Most SUVs have all wheel drive which is helpful in bad weather, especially snow and ice. For those who live in the north where a snow plow doesn't show up often the SUV is a boon. On the other hand there are many automobiles which have four or all wheel drive available.If you are an off-road lover, then the SUV may be just what you need. A jeep or small off-road vehicle may also provide the same benefits, however.It seems to boil down to the fact that the SUV is really only good for one thing, the image. If that means so much to you, then by all means spend all that money. For me? I'll take the standard car and snicker at you when we meet at the gas pump!
