Are SUVs a symptom of crumbling American infrastructure and uneducated drivers?

Is the rise and popularity of SUVs a symptom of crumbling American infrastructure and the growth of unsafe and uneducated drivers? Instagram @caseyputsch / caseyputsch

[@brianoconnell6459]

Not to mention every truck and SUV has their headlights set so high, that if you drive a regular car, they shine directly into your eyes.

[@Erowens98]

This! Every time I drive to work i'm blinded half the way by oncoming traffic. And my car isn't even that low, its an '07 a5 on factory suspension.

[@marcox4358]

same here, I drive a MB 260E 86' and most vehicles just blind me due to the low height of the car... it's a big roomy sedan, but it has a lower profile than a Corolla

[@sebastianmartinez9202]

Brian O'Connell I drive a truck, a ford ranger. It’s not a high truck at all, but it is above most cars and equal to even some SUV’s. Although some of these other trucks and SUV’s are so high up that even regular headlights hurt my eyes, and I’m a 17 year old kid with good eye sight.

[@RUSTYCHEVYTRUCK]

Brian O'Connell shit I drive an 02 Silverado 4x4 and I get the lights directly in my eyes

[@biglineman34]

I hated driving my Accord at night because of this. Now that I have a Rav4, it happens with lifted vehicles.

[@teutonalex]

The safest cars are those driven by skilled, alert, defensive drivers.

[@stevenwilliams1805]

Alertness being, I feel, the thing most lacking.

[@Slowcarfastbeans]

I dunno, when you have to slow down, because you can’t maintain speed, for every bend on a road...

[@stevenwilliams1805]

@@Slowcarfastbeans yes and no because, not all cars are the same. Most any modern sports car would no problem maintaining the speed limit under just about any condition, while trucks, SUVs, and school buses might not even be able to reach it, regardless of conditions. I know this from experience because I have driven hundreds of cars in my lifetime. And don't forget the Autobahn is statically safer than our roadways in the states despite unlimited speed sections. This is so, not just because the roads and cars are built to a higher standard but, licenced drivers as well.

[@repetitivemotion]

Offensive driving is better and safer.

[@drink15]

Until someone without those skill t-bones you. Then you want an actual safe car.

[@ryanfinnamore1309]

Hatchbacks are so criminally underrated. Literally the best design possible for the typical consumer

[@Danji_Coppersmoke]

💯 Economical and best utility per footprint.

[@soniccd9983]

I absolutely loved my 2013 beetle for that reason

[@fasteddie7376]

I love my 2018 Mazda 3 GT Hatchback best car ever.

[@Drd7682]

VW GTI here. Fit 4 full sized lounge chairs in the back of it. Turns on a dime. Fits in any parking space. Best little car.

[@rickfeng4466]

& wagons!

[@williambarringer6513]

A women ran over three kids at a bus stop because she couldn’t see over the steering wheel, but they wanna write you a ticket for something “unsafe” while people like her just go out and buy an even bigger car

[@matthewmorgan582]

Yeah I got a small speeding ticket when nobody else was on the road at 11 at night. Kinda defeats the purpose. I don't speed through populated areas or low speed limits but this was on a 2 lane highway 55 zone. Then you got the absolute idiots getting away with so much more than that risking lives of several people.

[@DividendFiend]

Shes clearly too short for the SUV then, reason why I like big vehicles Is cause I get too cramped in normal sized vehicles.

[@Andy-im3kj]

People like that need to go to jail. I was rear ended by a distracted driver and not only did he hit me, he pushed my car into the car infront of me. Worst of all, the cops let that SOB walk away. You think we're any safer with that idiot driving around and many like him?

[@oddmanout4256]

Can I get a link to this story?

[@GrumpyIan]

@@oddmanout4256 If it's the one I'm thinking it happened in Rochester, Indiana on October 31, 2018. She claimed she didn't see the kids and that she didn't think it was a school bus. Well she was driving a Tacoma and with how high trucks and SUVs have gotten you can't see a kid standing directly in front of them. By the way she only got 4 years of prison, 3 years probation, and 10 years of a suspended license.

[@OnlyTheFinest125]

Plot twist! Every soccer mom wants to feel safer in a SUV. Gets into an accident with another soccer mom who thought the same thing...

[@edgiestofcars]

V12 SACAPUNTAS *whoops*

[@vavo4902]

Arms race anyone?

[@marin909.]

She’ll be out of the hospital to go buy a bigger one

[@jessiebickel2214]

This haooens a lot in Alaska. Many SUV drivers are elderly, careless, and incapable drivers and quite often wreck during the first few weeks of snow season. SUVs are breeding terrible drivers who dont know what they are doing

[@jmhellison]

Most cars today are pretty damn safe with airbags everywhere.

[@Nezumi_The_Stripes]

The illusion of safety leads to negligent confidence.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

Exactly what I tell all these safety nuts whenever I mention I drive a classic. You'll die going 200 mph into a wall in a 1930s sedan or a 2019 SUV just the same. Sure all this safety garbage is going to save you in more cases compared to a really old car, but guess what's even better? Actually having common sense when driving!

[@kyleb2044]

I recall studies on motorcycles showing this exact thing. States that didn't have a helmet laws saw fewer accidents and less deadly accidents I believe. You put that helmet and gear on and people tend to feel safe to drive more wreckless and stupid. Someone once said attach a knife to the steering wheel and watch how carefully everyone starts driving.

[@sakariaskarlsson634]

Suvs are less safe, they handle worse, this can cause an accident in situations that requires a quick response, whenever i drive a suv i feel like a liability, it just bounces around and handles like a old wooden warship, not that most suv drivers know what handling is for that matter.

[@luigi55125]

Modern vehicles mask their speed too well. Idiots don't know how fast they're actually going. Aka, try going 35 on a bicycle, and tell me you felt slow.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

@@luigi55125 I remember the first time I tried driving a Yugo. The car was shaking and the engine screaming like I was going 200 kmh, then I look at the speedo and I see I was only going 20...

[@gumbotime9564]

Most of this also applies to pickup trucks. The number of larger vehicles in general on the road makes it less safe for smaller car owners AND ESPECIALLY pedestrians.

[@_Devil]

I mean at least with trucks there are valid arguments to be made on why someone can need them. Having an open bed on your vehicle that can carry things like couches and mattresses is actually surprisingly practical when you become an adult. When my brother traded in his Charger for a Silverado, he found out first hand just how useful a pickup truck really is. You can go take that dirt side road to get around any traffic, but you cant do that in a muscle car unless its suspension is raised.

[@GrumpyIan]

My dad's 07 Silverado is smaller than a new Ford Ranger.... Something seriously needs to be done about automotive manufacturers just making trucks bigger and bigger.

[@C64SX]

@@_Devil You can fit surprising amounts of cargo in a modern hatchback. And for those few times you really need to move extra large objects, the same hatchback can tow a trailer. Last time I moved to a new home I used my 2011 Honda Civic with a trailer attached. Trucks are of course very useful, but I'm pretty sure most owners have them because they like the style, not because that's the only practical solution to their everyday transportation needs ☺

[@TeethOfDead]

@@C64SXno , a hatchback isn’t that spacious kid

[@C64SX]

@@TeethOfDead It's been a long time since someone called me a kid. Almost funny. You're a funny guy? Of course a hatchback isn't as spacious as a truck, that goes without saying. But many of them are surprisingly spacious. I've transported many large objects in the rear of the 2011 Civic (EU version) I had back then. I even slept in it during a couple of longer trips I took. I tried that in my later Mercedes C-class station wagon, and I had less room in that one. Main point is still that most people drive a vehicle that is too large for their everyday needs, and the few times extra space is needed a trailer will usually do the trick just fine. That's how we do it on this side of the pond, and it seems to work just fine for most people here.

[@ultraNewt]

It's unrealistic to expect every driver to be smart, responsible, and alert... especially when (practically) everyone has to drive. Enforcement, education, and repair are absolutely worth something, but I think getting people (especially people who don't want to drive) out of cars and off the road would be a huge step in the right direction.

[@fishofgold6553]

Yes. This should be done mainly by providing people with viable alternatives to driving. I am thinking of suitable infrastructure for walking cycling and public transit. People's lives should not be locked behind the paywall of cars and their upkeep expenses.

[@me12722]

Infrastructure to slow down drivers and to make them pay more attention would be good too. Our roads are so wide so people feel to confident looking at their phone or whatever other dangerous distraction they partake in.

[@frankalzuru1768]

Amen brother

[@dylandugan76]

All the more reason that it would be a lot cooler if we decided to build a society in which nobody *HAS* to drive if they don't want to, just to participate in society.

[@railroadforest30]

Train lines should be built down the middle of the highway

[@iSkully99]

The safety of an SUV comes at the cost of anyone who doesn't have an SUV. Comes over as very selfish tbh.

[@christopherpape4823]

Good point.

[@stinkymans5002]

Fr

[@abdullahalammar7291]

they might be safer when they crash. but this guy didn't discuss the fact, that their handling/braking is worse than other cars, which makes them less safe in the first place.

[@MrSGL21]

not even that. they aren't safe at all. i drive on surface streets for a living. i'm a food delivery driver. suvs and suv drivers are the worst. the minivan drivers are just slow stupid slugs, but the suv driver is reckless, stupid, and completely unskilled. sunday night one of the rear ended a sedan in my delivery area. crushed the rear of the car and hit them with enough force the car wound up 100 yards down the road from the suv. but here is the thing. with its rear end destroyed the sedan stayed up right through out the entirety of the incident. the suv wound up upside in the middle of the road. i see this often with suvs. their high center of gravity when subjected to sudden forces destabilizing them and they turn turtle at the drop of a hat. worse the people that drive them gravitate toward them "to feel safe" because they themselves are terrible fuckinbg driivers. last week one of them, a fucking retard in a Seqouia tried to run me off the road. 1st he cut me off in traffic (recklass) then when i got into the right turn lane and pulled around him to to turn right at the light he tried to run into me. I honked my horn, but fuck that asshole i ain't backing down, its my lane fuck you. he was not happy and to wait and drop in behind me. suvs have extremely poor right side and rear visibility. you simply can't see stuff close up in those areas driving those things. i figure this asshole, who was also on his fuckin phone didn't see my wagon there. but you know what? he didn't fucking care either. the worst thing about SUVs is they replaced more capable vehciles. what if i told you that in 1996 you could buy a vehicle that could seat 8 people, tow up to 7000 lbs, carry a sheet of plywood inside it self, and (not while towing ofcourse) get 25 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city? it was the chevy/buick wagon! and gm shut down the production to make ......Tahoes. a piece of shit that couldn't haul a sheet of plywood or seat more than 5 people and got 14/17 mpg instead!

[@nowiecoche]

Exactly

[@shoveler2687]

When both car guys and environmental people (typically, but not always, polar opposites) agree that SUVs are the worst cars to exist, that has to say something about the SUV itself. Edit: To clarify, trucks are cool or at least better than SUVs.

[@skachor]

It really doesn't have to say anything, but what were you thinking it says?

[@mildly_miffed_man1414]

@@skachor(Modern) Suvs are the worst cars to ever exist.

[@skachor]

@mildly_miffed_man1414 where can I get my own jump to conclusions mat?

[@vappyreon1176]

​@@skachorno that's literally the thing they're referring to

[@skachor]

@@vappyreon1176 it's nonsense.

[@imageword5576]

A huge issue for safety nowadays is the near-constant use of phones (we should start calling them toys, really) by people while driving. I see it constantly, and people's reaction times are very delayed as a result. Half the time when I'm at a light that turns green, the person in front of me needs 3-5 extra seconds to shift their attention off of their toy (phone) and back onto driving. It gets really annoying and scary at times how addicted people are to their toys.

[@KiRiTO72987]

And then they flip you off when you honk at them

[@UniqueHandles]

The real problem is how hard it seems for some people to multitask! I use my phone as my GPS all the time and I only need to look at it for a split-second or two to know where I’m going or what turn to make, but my eyes are still constantly on the road. Never been in an at-fault accident in my life.

[@ScottishTerrorsInLA]

I honk at them all the time. Such morons. And yeah then they get aggressive.

[@SkorpioVenom]

@@KiRiTO72987 I think this is just people being more and more selfish, oblivious to their surroundings, and inconsiderate. I can't say if people were always like that as I'm pretty young still, but to me it seems that everyone is just living in their own world and they do not care about their fellow drivers. Hell, I see it just walking down the street.

[@KiRiTO72987]

@SkorpioVenom yeah I feel like punishments for road law violations need to be more severe, especially with how large vehicles are nowadays at least in the US it really does seem like no one follows the speed limit lane discipline is horrendous and everyones on phones I think it more stems from how US cities are designed as well as lack of punishment leading to entitlement, also does not help that to get a license in the US you basicly just have to drive around a block and parallel park.

[@jeffa.8976]

Following too close is the number 1 cause of accidents. It really annoys me that when i leave a responsible braking distance someone just cuts into it.

[@Joetime90]

This, then you gotta slow way down and make everyone else mad, ruining the driving experience.

[@beloved-child]

Don't become a speed brake speed brake ×5 tailgater in response to this because you waste a ton of gas, brake pads, and eventually struts. All money for nothing if you just pace and throttle control. Let low iq sheep normie drivers all do their tailgating gas brake gas brake every 5 second clusterf*** miserable stressful and zero benefit from it. Just cruise back and pace, and pace the sheep that cut into your safe pace distance to get back to tailgating and brake dancing like a lemming. It's almost depressing how sheep minded, low iq and dumb most drivers and likely people are.....when I get honked at by multiple people because I'm not tailgating going 60+ mph in a sea of traffic and braking every 4-5 seconds just to tailgate all over again.....I'm the badguy because I can see the bigger picture and pace the giant clusterf**** from a few seconds away...... Things like this make me feel like I can't even relate to most people.....or guys paying car payments similar to rent rather then buy a older car that's owned and wont keep you in poverty.......and they do this to seem like they're living a good life when they're broke and miserable......but look! Status! I can't relate to normies and I don't think I'd want to.....the fact most people think this way is depressing.

[@ShadowWizardBandit]

Personal experience: I was T-boned in my Miata by an Altima because neither of us could see each other due to a line of large SUVs being in the way

[@Remix2366]

I didn't know ghosts could post comments

[@tomhoots]

That's why people drive SUV's. So they can see the other vehicles on the road. Even when every other vehicle is a 4WD "monster truck" pickup, a giant, full-size SUV, or an 18-wheel semi truck. There's little doubt that you can't see what's going to hit you when you're nearly sitting on the pavement in a Miata.

[@Remix2366]

@@tomhoots who's fault,exactly?

[@matotoy6652]

@@Remix2366 both drivers are at fault

[@joeidaho5938]

To add, we all also pay a lot more in insurance....because of the many accidents caused by these fat ass cars on the road....and the amount of insurance money they scoop up to fix their vehicles....whether from accidents or the fact that many of these vehicles are prone to theft. Funny thing is that I would never ever want any of these vehicles. They're ugly, in my opinion...and way too over-sized for their purpose.

[@alchemist889]

I see lots of people who feel threatened by the spread of giant SUVs in small cars... Now imagine how motorcyclists feel.

[@Kreativmoorabbel]

Or pedestrians!

[@rcman1023]

Or mopeds

[@benyud2303]

rcman1023 eww moped = Big gey

[@rcman1023]

@@benyud2303 mopeds are fun and cheap, plus you can get a old one and have something semi historical, I think you're thinking of those nasty Chinese scooters

[@tim2163]

Lol get a job peasant so you can get an effonefiddy

[@wozzablog]

When i had a partner (a very safe driver) in Texas she had been the victim of a T-Bone from an SUV while she was in a smaller car - after her prolonged recovery her next car was an SUV. The second accident killed her when another SUV even bigger than hers crashed in to hers. The SUV death spiral is a public health crisis.

[@lloydmcknight]

thats tragic! condolences!

[@wozzablog]

@@lloydmcknight - thanks, it's been years now but it's still difficult.

[@Demopans5990]

At some point, we're going to have to drive armored personnel carriers like BTRs just to safely haul kids around. BTR-80s come in at 15 tons, triple the weight of the already heavy cybertruck. Oh and their cruising speed is around 50mi/h. You aren't going to t bone cars in this. The cars simply won't exist after

[@SebastianTheGreat]

I think part of it is our dependency on cars. Clearly not everyone is fit to drive, yet just about everywhere in the US requires a car to get around because of bad/nonexistent public transportation and sidewalks, and everything being spaces way too far apart so Walmarts can have enough space to fit their legally required 500 plus-space parking lots

[@siameseagencyYT]

The crazy part is it’s not in a rural area, it’s in about almost everywhere in a typical city

[@HansensUniverseT-A]

The dutch people figured it out, car dependency has ruined our society to a great deal and public health.

[@noahleclair6620]

When I got my Mazda 3 my mom asked why I didn’t get an suv like her, and I told her that I wanted to have fun driving and save money.

[@tiko5876]

Noah Leclair Fuck SUVs. I haven’t even watched the video but I’m 100% of the opinion that the only reason SUV drivers want SUVs is because they’re dumber than dog shit. I truly hate American drivers

[@Trainmaster909]

Noah Leclair I bought a Mazda 3 and had to give the same explanation!

[@mike45blue]

It really is a good money saver, I love that car, I just need to fix mine up and put it on a track one day.

[@darthdarthbinkss]

@@tiko5876 Or maybe they have more room? More storage?

[@tiko5876]

Two words for ya buddy. “Station wagon” Americans have been sold on the suv for false reasons. “I need it for storage” my ass lmao

[@ArcaneWorkshop]

2020 Soccer Moms: "I think I need an F-150 Raptor."

[@bubbleheadft]

That's not even a joke, that's real shit.

[@jonaskastrickas1218]

I almost got crushed on the highway because some guy decided to fly 3 lanes over into the left lane without looking. Luckily i was paying attentipn and dodged him but an f150 flying into a bmw 1 series would not have looked pretty for me.

[@matthew8153]

ArcaneWorkshop F-250

[@PistolSwitches]

Jonas Kastrickas i get sick every time i see someone do that.

[@jonaskastrickas1218]

@@PistolSwitches Yeah because 80% of the time they arent looking, its scary how some people got their licenses.

[@Leveler13]

Also worth mentioning: rollover. These SUVs might "feel" safer, but they're prone to cause a more traumatic crash because of a higher center of gravity. I watched a Ford Ecosport roll over on I-71 because she was trying to avoid debris, something that likely wouldn't have happened if she had just bought a Fiesta instead.

[@rawhidelamp]

A Ford what ecoboost?

[@Leveler13]

@@rawhidelamp Ah sorry, Ecosport

[@gabethedespote-1105]

@@Leveler13The only car Ford sells now is the Ford Mustang, everything else uses a light truck chassis or bigger. Incredibly disappointing, and your point stands.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

The Fiesta transmission would've fallen apart as she was driving up the on ramp.

[@Mike-pb7jm]

Literally every Ford SUV and truck has an Ecoboost. I have no idea what vehicle you mean.

[@doctorsuarez]

I was on the freeway in my 330i when someone completely lost control of their car and went sideways in front of me. Thankfully I was able to brake and dodge (basically, the Swedish moose test) and got away without a scratch. I’m not sure a taller car would have been nearly so stable in that maneuver.

[@KiRiTO72987]

It wouldn't have

[@SkorpioVenom]

Taller, heavier car would have likely had no chance in both braking and maneuvering. The vast majority of SUV's fail miserably at the moose test.

[@2007ess]

EV such as the Tesla Model X is also very stable in that maneuver.

[@bread4head69]

​@@2007essCenter of gravity is very low due to the batteries. Teslas will always handle amazing.

[@GrumpyIan]

@@2007ess That is a sedan not an SUV.

[@Membrane556]

Another reason car companies realized they can get people to pay 10 to 20K more for what is a lifted mini van.

[@beitie]

Worse than a lifted minivan. Minivans have much more cargo space, and are easier to get in and out of.

[@fabricancustoms]

That's ignorant. Can you tow a 50' camper and 8 people safely in a minivan? An SUV is a truck with more seats, not a "lifted minivan".

[@AlumarsX]

@@fabricancustoms In Europe you see little Peugots with 80bhp diesel engines towing caravans. You don't need a Tonka Escalade.

[@RWoody1995]

@@fabricancustoms thats not what they were talking about, there are legit SUVs but have you not seen most of the "SUVs" that came out over the past 10 years? they take a normal car, give it a lift kit and change the body panels to make it look like an SUV and then they charge an extra 10k over the car it's based on because it's an "SUV" now when it really isnt...

[@VestedUTuber]

@@fabricancustoms I would not say that about most modern SUVs. Maybe the bigger truck-based ones, but not all these pointless crossovers that people generally buy.

[@Dragon228833]

I failed my drivers test the first time because I couldn’t parallel park yet people pass but don’t know how to merge onto the highway

[@MFXdump]

Demesvar Clerge Yea, the fun times are when you’re behind someone trying to get on the freeway and they go 40 mph up the on ramp into traffic that’s moving at 80 mph. Pisses me off every time! Now my life is in danger because the moron in front of me can’t match their speed to the existing traffic. Pit maneuvers and bitchslaps for everyone would fix that problem.

[@angelgjr1999]

The other day I got brakes checked by a douchebag in a Silverado. Truck drivers are just as bad if not worse. I wish he got out so I could’ve tased him in the throat.

[@kevinseveneleven]

Bro in California these people just get into the lane don't look over their shoulder or use the mirrors I guess they just pray or assume there's some freeway lane God that'll guide them into a space between two cars

[@jonathanwneal5240]

Its horrible in a 100 hp car. 40 mph is where the engine has pretty much run out of steam and traffic is going like 70 or someone was flying in the right lane to pass a left lane hog.

[@Morgorath30]

@@kevinseveneleven haha good ol 880. My favorite is when they go from the far left lane, all the way to what they think is their exit. Then brake check everyone hard because they realized it actually wasn't their exit. And procede to go back onto the highway over that triangle things. The state/country needs to be more restrictive to people getting a license. Make that shit harder. Its life or death you know?

[@mcsomeone2681]

Ride height is a massive issue currently, the same height that lets you see farther down the road and "predict" upcoming accidents actually makes it harder to see what's happening close to you. SUV drivers are less likely to stop for anything that "jumps out" at them. It also makes it more dangerous for other cars since you may not be able to see around them as easily.

[@Bustermachine]

Which has always felt like such a bogus excuse. You have to be close to a thing to be at imminent risk of running into it. Because that's how physics works XD

[@ghost-jesus]

SUVs only make up 1-4% of new car sales per year, Crossovers make up 60% of new car sales

[@dustykh]

I always found the SUVs are safer argument to be incredibly stupid. The worst accidents I have ever seen were always SUV rollovers, with one exception being a mustang who clearly had to have been driving extremely fast.

[@Moonless6491]

I drove a car through a big city. No one let me merge or change lanes without a fight. I drove my pickup back through that same city. When I needed to merge or lane change, people would let me over without much backlash. I learned through that experience that people see themselves as sovereign little territories on 4 wheels. They adopt a mentality of fear and aggressiveness to show dominance for some reason. They revert to a 4th grader having to play king of the hill.

[@mardiffv.8775]

I do not live in the US, but in cycling nation the Netherlands. So many people cycle inside our cities. When there is close call of a collision, we talk to each other. So road rage between cyclists is very rare.

[@ernestogastelum9123]

@@mardiffv.8775 thats very different because one is a car which, if theres a collision its going to lead to the car being damaged which will costs thousands of dollars or going to the hospital for injuries that can be life threatening. i know theres injuries in when cyclists collide, but its not going to be as severe with cars

[@joeidaho5938]

With lane changes, the way I see it, you have to create your own....look for the opening and do it. If anyone thinks that they can put their blinkers on...and someone will give them permission to change lanes, you're fantasizing, when it comes to city driving. If you rely on others to make your lane change happen, you will lose out at least 80% of the time these days. I'm actually mind-boggled about how many people don't know to speed up or slow down, according to the situation, to make their lane change. Everyone just passes people....and blocks them...who don't adapt to the speed of traffic. I only signal when I already know I'm changing lanes....to make sure drivers don't have a chance to close the gap. It works great. It's a jungle out there, and you have to adapt with your driving skills.

[@Moonless6491]

@@joeidaho5938 I adapt by speeding up, but many times people block you on purpose. I just don't play the city game. It's childish.

[@joeidaho5938]

@@Moonless6491 The way I see it, it's survival when driving. If I want to get anywhere quick, then I need to adapt. Otherwise, you get caught in the gaggle of people who dawdle in their cars...and don't use their brains or skills much at all when driving from one place to another. To be honest, we have way too many people who are never in a rush to go anywhere in this city....because they don't work...in such a rich central part of Toronto. That is truly annoying, in itself. They have no motivation at all to drive efficiently, so I feel I really have no choice but to drive aggressively to get past the perennial "sunday driving club".

[@ShaunHensley]

Yes. The roads require off-road competent vehicles

[@edgiestofcars]

Shaun Hensley I see so many lifted trucks and jeeps around my town and they never have a spot of dirt on them

[@javajav3004]

Edgy Car “show truck” what a joke

[@drzflyest4]

@@edgiestofcars do you live in Florida?

[@edgiestofcars]

drzflyest4 no southern Ohio

[@ShaunHensley]

Edgy Car Talking about the road quality, or lack of, keeping on the topic presented. I drive an econobox with rally suspension just to deal with the fun roads.

[@DARamosYT]

The ride height of an SUVs also changes the perception of speed. Things just look slower the further you are from the ground. I keep this in mind everytime I see one appear in my rear view.

[@kraagnjilwulf1413]

I agree completely agree. I generally cite the bad driving bit, but yeah, you're right. I personally take the opposite approach. The smaller the car the more nimble it is, and the better I can escape bad situations, as long as I'm aware of whats around me.

[@GotherYT]

And honestly, like in my 325i, it takes up a smaller piece of the road, meaning you're less likely to get in a fender bender, because the smaller size decreases of you actually hitting the other cars, or navigating cramped parking lots

[@doogledoesstuff207]

Plot Twist: The most effective safety feature on a car, is your brain.

[@twotone3471]

With some of the people out there, I think you are assuming a lot.

[@Nanorisk]

Not really, at least 40% of all drivers on public roads these days have brains dumber than computers.

[@Nphen]

Make all cars manual shifters. Must be able to drive a manual for road test.

[@elijahschnake3863]

If you have one.

[@UNSCPILOT]

Basically what the driving course I took taught us, you your brain, drive defensively and be constantly aware, the safety devices in your car are most effective if they are never needed (just don't drive without seatbelts, unless you wanna be a bugsplat on someone else's windshield)

[@sebastianrivera-tirado4309]

Am I the only one who would like to see a wagon revival in the United States? I’ve always found the lower load floor and easier access to a roof rack to be much more appealing than higher ride height. Used Subarus are becoming more expensive, so this could be a sign of things to come.

[@robertknight4672]

I think the closest thing Subaru has real wagon right now is the Impreza of that's their lowest car but it's really more of a small 4 door hatchback. Offhand I don't remember what the ground clearance is.

[@ChaoticNeutralMatt]

​@@robertknight4672sadly

[@adrianmizen5070]

US fuel economy regulations (CAFE) set a minimum for the average miles per gallon among all the new cars a company produces. That is what killed the station wagon and keeps it from resurrecting. Minivans and later SUVs were classified as trucks, which were exempt from CAFE calculations, so manufacturers pushed those body styles at the expense of the wagon starting in the 1980s and even more so now. Not sure if you're talking about the Subaru Outback, but was classified as an SUV and thus a truck for CAFE purposes.

[@karl.t.d.]

Virgin SUV driver vs chad station wagon driver

[@mildly_miffed_man1414]

I have wanted a station wagon of some kind the entire time I’ve been driving. My s10 is good enough for now, but the moment I have the opportunity to get a wagon you bet I’ll have a hard decision to make about the truck.

[@westonf8779]

I love this video. It reminds me of a parody presentation I gave in college about how everyone should drive a Miata. After my presentation and comparing it to a F150, I realized if everyone drive smaller cars traffic and commuting would be so much better

[@45ok73]

MIATA IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER

[@cheeriosaregood920]

​@@45ok73Always has been

[@gabedubbs2186]

Funny thing is that SUVs and trucks are so much heavier then cars that they deteriorate and the roads faster for the rest of us car and motorcycles users.

[@HallsoftheSummer]

"sUvS aRe SaFeR" I'm gonna feel really safe in a Miata when you roll over the top of me. Thank you, thank you

[@duanerackham9567]

Can your convertible survive a SUV rolling over you? I doubt your Miata's roof can support a SUV rolling over it

[@RichieD_21]

@@duanerackham9567 it will if he installed a roll bar

[@anthonyallen1326]

Based on meritime tradition, a captain always goes down with his ship. I think everyone should start in a miata, I believe that's the key to making everyone a better driver, it worked for me.

[@HallsoftheSummer]

@@duanerackham9567 I was being sarcastic

[@ramirofierros649]

Duane Rackham r/woosh

[@chapystick_]

I got an SUV ad on this video and I’m physically offended

[@wilsonbell8528]

Same, what's even funnier is they were using the same selling points that Casey was talking about.

[@alexzanderroberts995]

I got a motorcycle add.

[@prestonrobert2625]

I got edumakaed. My winch on her 19 car SUV Cadillac so stupid blew her off. I feel 08 lincoln panther frame best in the cushion area other than a Packard 400.

[@prestonrobert2625]

Now I hope Google will send me a packard

[@Revelatus]

imagine not using adblock

[@davidshepherd265]

As an Aussie, I've seen that not only is it a result of our roads and drivers decaying, but also, fashion. Here, SUVs are viewed as fashionable and trendy, and as a status symbol, and have been since the mid 2000's. Its a shame really, because its killed our local auto industry, which is also the main reason you can't buy a proper ute anymore. 10 years ago, you could buy a Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon ute, which were basically the same car as the sedan, but with a tray (bed) at the back instead of the back seat and the boot. And they were great. Up the front you had the power, handling and comfort of a modern family sedan, and down the back you had the versatility of a commercial vehicle. Not everyone wants to drive a damn truck.

[@Killian177]

Yep same here in the US. It's obvious to me that two of the main reasons people buy them here are for status symbol and trendiness. Then the certain percentage who feel more "badass" in a bigger, more intimidating vehicle. Same factor as with the giant pickups.

[@Dropz_RSA]

I use to hit potholes frequently and I would blame the road , which did have pot holes after all. Then I just increased my following distance, and it’s unbelievable how much less I hit pot holes now.

[@rixille]

Yes, better reaction time and all that. Wish more people thought like you regarding this subject.

[@Rapscallion2009]

The thing is. You're going just as fast, just a second or two later.

[@reinbeers5322]

SUVs also make it unsafe for other drivers. If you're driving at night in a normal car, an SUV behind you WILL blind you with its headlights.

[@ryans413]

Especially with those bright ass white lights like god dam

[@sullivanthomas1775]

I had a guy coming at me with his bright ass low beams and he turn on his high beams because he thought my headlights were to "bright." Little did he know is that my hi beams are better than his lmao. He quickly turn his off

[@DM-yy1mc]

Left lane losers are the absolute worst.

[@DM-yy1mc]

I am almost at the point of full anarchy.

[@DM-yy1mc]

You can speed and drive safe. Left lane losers, distracted drivers, and people failing to maintain vehicles are the cause of almost every crash and road rage incident on our highways. Yet the police hardly enforce these violations. People need to start pushing back harder.

[@insylem]

I think alot of our bad driving stemns from self centeredness

[@JeremyLevi]

Absolutely. A lot of people think getting where they are going 2 minutes earlier is way more important than everyone's safety.

[@shawnmcdoge2215]

@@jackielinde7568 I love when I pull up right next to the car that flew by me.....such a satisfying feeling

[@UNSCPILOT]

The "I need to be everywhere 10 minutes ago" philosophy, I prefer the "I'll leave ten minutes earlier or just be late and deal with it" approach which has worked out pretty well so far, I don't stress myself out and more often than not I arrive early, with the bonus of making good impressions

[@johnp139]

shawn murray until the next light

[@supersonicultra2]

@@JeremyLevi Yeah.

[@IHateMyAccountName]

One thing not mentioned is how there was a loophole in emissions for trucks and SUVs. Plus that car companies can charge more for Trucks and SUVs, they started pumping them out more.

[@wozzablog]

Not so much a loophole as the entire basis for american car production for decades.

[@mph5896]

Ever since covid, basically no enforcement of traffic laws have taken place in my area. Basically anything goes.

[@jsalvatori]

The one thing you missed is the marketing as well. All the thing you touched on are pushed by the marketing companies for the big auto manufacturers. And there's a reason: SUV's have HUGE profit margins. They take a basic small pick-up chassis, throw a bulky shell on it, and sell it for twice as much as they could the truck it was based on

[@eldermoose7938]

There's also the fact that SUVs are tatiff protected. Hence US auto makers prioritize those because tariffs make them able to compete in this sector, where lack of tariffs caused them to loose the sadan and compact markets. Basically us auto makers retreated to SUVs and light trucks because it's the only vehicle class the US government has a 25% tariff on.

[@ghost-jesus]

Heres the thing, only 1.6% of US auto sales are SUVs and only 20% are trucks, 60% are crossovers, which are just bloated wagons/crossovers

[@karstelobster8203]

I would say this is the primary reason for the uptick in SUVs on the road. The idea that you NEED a big car is practically car manufacturer propaganda at this point

[@ghost-jesus]

@@karstelobster8203 there has been a downtick actually, until the Bronco came out, and it still only makes up 1% of all new car sales, Crossovers arent SUVs no matter how much every bicyclist wants to call them that.

[@jagv12m]

I’m sorry but I work in a ER in the Florida Keys I feel the older you get the smaller the car should be .I seen real bad accidents with older patients and distracted drivers.

[@Hopperton]

Still think the biggest issue is one the allowance of bigger cars being a new market norm and two not creating driving alternatives i.e. walkable cities, cross country trains, more freight trains, and public transport such as buses

[@jonathanryan2915]

I drove 80's Chevy caprices all year round in New York STATE all the way up to 2015 and the only things they needed to get through snow was snow tires and sometimes extra weight in the trunk. Funny thing is, they couldn't go 15-20 MPH in the snow because the rear wheels wanted to break traction and this would make me lose all momentum going uphill. They were more stable at 25-35 MPH in the snow than most regular cars

[@kyledavis4890]

This is why they were used as cop cars, like the ford crown vic.

[@MarvinHartmann452]

I had a 1990 9c1 and it was good enough in the snow in Québec, Canada. It was reliable and always started when in got down to -40 C and I always put 2 pouch of salt in the back to be sure, with nailed tires, I don't know how you call these in english. It was a good car.

[@jonathanryan2915]

@@MarvinHartmann452 always wanted a 9c1. Oh and the tires are studded snow tires

[@bobthudpucker7730]

The best driving advice I've ever gotten was when I was fifteen, riding somewhere with my brother in law, who was probably in his mid twenties: He told me that he was constantly going over in his mind what might happen that could cause a crash and what he would do about it. As he was telling me this, a car was coming the other way on the two lane road we were on, and he told me "For example, if this car moves over into my lane (due to not paying attention, whatever), I'm gonna be steering off the road into this yard, and I'm doing it right now. I don't have to pause and decide what to do."

[@balinoob1837]

Yeah totally, on the highway you always look at were others are and aren't so if an idiot comes along, you'll know where to go

[@Propain4eva]

That’s a good reason why you don’t drive parallel to someone else at the same speed. Keeping a little further back close or behind their blind spot will give you and the other person space to maneuver if something goes wrong

[@schwarzwolfram7925]

@@Propain4eva I digress; if you're traveling the same speed as someone else, you should be behind them not deliberately in their "blind-spot". BTW: Blind-spots aren't a thing on vehicles (apart from lorries and certain large vehicles). If cars, pickups, and SUVs had legitimate blind-spots, car makers wouldn't resort to the "blind-spot-indicators" first, they would just add more/bigger mirrors.

[@mayb8876]

@@schwarzwolfram7925 cars do have blind spots. You just don't know it or have become used to it. Ever driven a motorcycle?

[@schwarzwolfram7925]

@@mayb8876 I don't need to see a motorcycle because I can always hear them when they're within 50 yards. I suspect their noise is engineered specifically for this safety issue. Given proper missor setup; the blind-spot for a cycle does exist, but is very specific and no sane cyclist would intentionally cruise in it.

[@captaindishman9126]

This is stuff that I've been saying since the early 2000's. SUVs make the road more dangerous and I see more lower IQ drivers in them. This is all around bad. Want a safe vehicle? Put down the phone and drive safely.

[@dont331]

Agreed! In addition they are ridiculously ugly and contribute to a rise in visual pollution.

[@mk3a]

In addition, SUVs don't have great handling, and do not get me started on the ones from the 1990s

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Congestion. All that largeness has to fit in the same space as previously smaller stuff fit. Visibility. If you haven't converted to SUV-dom, it's like driving around small scale high-rise buildings. You can't see if you aren't them. Weight. You want to have enough power to weight ratio to keep with highway speeds? Takes a lot of energy to move that beast around. The roads take a pounding, contributing to the crumbling conditions. Beat up roads destroy faster, weight hammers on irregularities quicker. Taller bigger heavier vehicles require beefier brakes, fatter tires, lower profile rubber, higher tech suspensions to move a high-CG brick around at anywhere the pace a sedan was doing in the early 2000's for example. "GO ELECTRIC!!" No. Have you actually considered how heavy these vehicles are? The pounds per square inch pressure on the (crappy) road surface?

[@samusaran7317]

@@exothermal.sprocket My ev weighs 2500 pounds. Busted your arguement wide open.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@samusaran7317 I can classify a e-bike as an EV too, and get under 100 pounds. Now what are you going to do about busting an argument?

[@GeahkBurchill]

I think it also speaks to our divisions. People are less conscientious of other drivers. They just want to survive an accident at the COST of the other driver’s life (if need be) “Better her than me, right?” We are so afraid of each other we buy guns and suvs to feel safe from each other. 😢

[@zachg9065]

I’m 27. I’ve had 3 cars my whole life. All sedans. Majority of my family have SUVs. I’ve also never had a problem in the snow with all season tires in Kansas City.

[@NOMAD3030]

I can't even drive at night anymore without wearing sunglasses.

[@feetusbeater1245]

Sovereign Nomad is it just me or does every soccer mom have there brights on when there driving on a well lit road

[@kylemontano228]

DevinJac2006 I hate those people

[@johnjacobjingleheimer-schm491]

I wear my sunglasses at night So I can So I can

[@SalivatingSteve]

It's because everyone has swapped in those illegally bright aftermarket LED headlights.

[@thekernel69]

@@SalivatingSteve Most carmakers already have super bright leds and most people don't even change there headlights a dealer does. Most people are just idiots that think I need to see so let's turn up my headlights to see and don't think about how it's a danger for other people on the road

[@shinychariot1655]

i drive ~6 hrs /day for my job, every wreck i see involves an SUV...

[@samuelsalazar-ik7bk]

If you come down here to Florida where nobody knows what brakes are one out of five accidents there's always at least one or two SUVs involved

[@ethanthomas1868]

My first two cars got totaled by old women in SUV's.

[@Cole13517]

Probably because there's more SUVs on the road nowadays

[@jmazz1127]

Obviously, because of the quantity of SUV's on the road (statistics).

[@crosses101]

Did Uber and Lyft along with a sales job that was 80% driving so I'd drive roughly 10-12hrs a day in South Florida. Every car wreck involved a woman. Afraid people make terrible drivers!

[@GiantMonkey9000]

Literally everything you brought up would be solved by building walkable communities with wide cycling lanes and good public transport. The reason there’s so many bad drivers is because everyone HAS to drive in America. The reason infrastructure is crumbling is because theres so many cars on the road deteriorating it quickly. We have to make it harder to drive so only people who really want or need to drive are able to. Amsterdam is a great example of this. There’s never any traffic there because people don’t HAVE to own cars to have their basic needs met, making it extremely pleasant to drive.

[@HrHaakon]

Cars aren't that many 10t axle equivalents. The heavier the vehicle the more wear on the roads, and it's not a linear relation. That's why cycling infra is so neat: Bikes weigh very little, so if you can get people to ride, building them the infrastructure they need is dirt cheap. And it doesn't ruin things for people who drive either.

[@arunbissoon4630]

Apart from what you've mentioned, a lot of manufacturers are purposefully making SUVs with luxury features such as bigger infotainment screens and AC vents for rear passengers while selling them at a slightly higher price than the sedans and hatchbacks which lack these features. This encourages people to buy the SUVs. Those who opt for the sedans and hatchbacks, either can't afford the SUVs and quite rarely they prefer the sedans and hatchbacks over the SUVs. In regions such as the Caribbean, a lot of new car buyers are buying crossover SUVs solely because of the popularity and "rich" status associated with it. People don't care about the importance of efficiency, reliability and performance anymore. Most people are concerned about "safety" and "looks"

[@petermartinez9414]

I really wish more people saw this and the left lane video.

[@bennetfox]

The biggest thing you are overlooking is that marketing tells us that we all should be driving SUVs.

[@Whateva67]

Bennet Fox of course,SUVs and trucks are the car manufacturers bread and butter,no profits on small cars

[@JavoCover]

Tires on SUV are very expensive

[@brandonbarnes8997]

Yall are off, it's that people see it as an all year round vehicle. It's not the best at one thing but an all around decent car at all aspects such as hauling something, off roading etc. Like he said cars are expensive and people are trying to get all in one. Someone that is going to live in there car is going to prefer an SUV for its size and storage capacity.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Yep, marketing. I've made similar points on other videos and get triggered people arguing that they made logical decisions about SUV and it had nothing to do with marketing. Chicken vs. egg phenomenon, which came first? Usually the marketing drives the masses in a given direction and when momentum is established, it's game-on for marketers. Education of the masses is dwindling (on purpose). Critical thought processes is almost gone. What we have is a media-heavy country which has 100,000 points of influence and can push whatever messages they wish to sell into the minds of the masses. Here's the deal, when stuff is disposable, you have to have something "new, fresh, exciting" to replace it on a annual or bi-annual basis. And the most effective sell is the idea that it's "MORE" than the last thing. More what? When you've maxed out just about every aspect of a vehicle in some degree of excess, what you have to push is the idea that SUV/CUV offer "MORE" than the other thing people used to drive. How? This vehicle does EVERYTHING, it's an all-in-one! That's MORE, right? You didn't used to be able to do EVERYTHING with your last vehicle so this SUV/CUV is MORE than the last thing. It does MORE. Trouble with any all-in-one device in this world, tons of compromises need to be made with whatever tasks and purposes and capabilities are being done with the all-in-one. The biggest thing to suffer is fun, control, handling, sports, fast, efficient, lightweight, connectedness. None of those things can remain in the quest for marketing the next "MORE" object to motorists.

[@DiegsurfPlays7]

the suv market is basically like an arms race to see who can be in the bigger and taller car to feel safer lol

[@nathangehman7018]

"Not just bikes" has an amazing video called "these trucks are literally kulling us" that explores the topic very well

[@ydcreed]

As a motorcyclist I assume everyone is trying to run me off the road. Dual sport for rotting roads

[@Drunken_Hamster]

Adventure bike for the power to pull away and escape. Still has more suspension and better tires than a street bike of any kind. And way more maneuverable than a cruiser, and, in some cases, more comfortable.

[@bestvidsdottk]

Yep, Drz for life. 8 years and going strong

[@SteelyEyedMissileDan]

Cafe racer because no one lives forever.

[@supastarvfr9534]

Sports tourer, full attention, and avoid any areas with more than medi traffic.

[@boathemian7694]

Miss my KLR

[@jsplicer9]

I used to do deliveries for a Greek restaurant. I drove an 89 Firebird. RWD, no ABS, no Traction Control. All winter, never got stuck once because I had good tires.

[@FUNKOfilms]

I love those cars. Came so close to buying one.

[@GrimRepair]

Tires make a huge differance.

[@eve__________]

Exactly, my parents said my 84 camaro would suck in the snow, but the roads are always plowed here and when they’re not I’ve never had a problem

[@jsplicer9]

@@FUNKOfilms cannot stress enough how great of a first car it was. Taught me everything I know about working on cars today. Easy to work on, fun to drive, handled well.

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

If they weren't snow tires they weren't good tires. You wouldn't get down the road the plows hadn't been by during a snow storm where I live. No f'n way.

[@soc2rob]

Agree 100%. I lived in PA and had a BMW 340. The potholes were so bad that I ended up selling it and buying a 4Runner. Now thinking about getting a Subaru Crosstrek, as it seems like a happy medium between a passenger car and and SUV.

[@invadervim9037]

I'll never forget one time I was going down the 5 south in California. I was going about 80 and I just happened to look in my mirror and saw a Chevy suv tumbling end over end and catching up with me. I had to accelerate away. The way the thing bounced head over tail, smacking the ground each time was just so wild to see. Like good himself just kicked this thing down the road like a toy.

[@MarylandWearAndCarry]

"The Jeep is the only true American sports car." ~ Enzo Ferrari.... I always thought he was making fun of our roads.😂

[@christopherpape4823]

I don't get it?

[@lowkey7850]

@@christopherpape4823 Jeeps are off road awd vehicles that are also decent for the road. He's poking fun of how roads in the US especially the northern states are terrible full of potholes and rough as hell. Not ideal for sports cars that depend on smooth roads but great for Jeeps that are designed for that.

[@nbn292]

American cars are objectively bad.

[@2007ghettonissanaltima]

@@nbn292 Even the Saleen?

[@generalpatton8468]

@@2007ghettonissanaltima No. Neither are cars like the Viper

[@Stormygewehr]

I agree, I've had the occasional Karen throwing her SUV or pickup into traffic in front of my 67 Cougar just because if you're not big on the road, people just seem to ignore you.

[@OneMansOdyssey]

I think there are 2 main factors - versatility and lending. Outdoors recreation was already getting more popular and COVID caused it to skyrocket, and while the average family is probably just going to drive to a gravel road accessible pull up campground site, people think they need high clearance and AWD/4WD. The same is true for snow driving like you said. More lending options that allow people to borrow more and spread it out over a longer period of time just add to the feedback loop.

[@NeoAutodroid]

I've literally gone offroading with a freaking stock Prius. People do indeed greatly overestimate how much offroading capability they need in a vehicle.

[@vulpixgrant]

I had an Altima for about 4 years, just prior to Covid hitting and me starting this active lifestyle so many others inherited from the Pandemic. Their were dirt roads I would not feel comfortable taking my Altima down, that my new AWD Outlander can handle adequately. It's not a Jeep, but for washboard sugar sand roads, a bit of momentum and all 4 wheels having power let's me drive myself rather than have to hitch a ride with a friend. Both vehicles had the same 2.5 Liter 4 cylinder, yet despite the AWD and upright SUV I am close to the sedan's MPG. I usually get around 27mpg with the Outlander where I would often hit 30mpg with the Altima..... Yes I drive slow LMAO. One BIG advantage the Sedan had, was having that Trunk separate from the cabin. If I forgot and left soggy life vest or gear in it the Trunk it wasn't a big deal, if I do in the Outlander the whole thing stinks the next morning.

[@rixille]

We used to make sedans with large wheels that had plenty of undercarriage clearance and a low center of mass. But people stopped caring about those. The only problem with those old boats is they had poor collision ratings due to the chassis design, but modern engineering could fix those shortcomings without reducing ride comfort or clearance.

[@MikeFico998]

Driving an SUV as a daily is like wearing sweatpants to the office

[@Halfcocked86]

We all need stickers on our cars telling people to move over if not passing.

[@FUNKOfilms]

The only problem I see with that is a sticker on the back of your car does no good when somebody is in front of you. I guess we could put across the windshield I big letters though.

[@langhamp8912]

Almost all drivers I see are speeding by about 10 mph. I think smart governors in all cars will stop that "move over if slower" silliness.

[@MFXdump]

And a flip up neon sign of a hand in the back window that throws people the finger when you finally get past them after 10 miles of being stuck behind the worlds most oblivious driver.

[@taz4100]

@@langhamp8912 people still drive under the speed limit. And there still is a flow of traffic. We live in America and we for the most part dont limit the abilities of personal property. Also how do you limit a car to 30 in 25 mph zone. When we have 75mph speed limits on other roads. The low speed limits that we have are not set for safety. They are lowered or left to 1950s technology and bias ply tires, to get tickets that are counted on in the budget of local and state governments. People drive the speed they are comfortable with not at the speed limit. There is study's showing that. Also that raising the speed limit doesnt have a measurable impact on the amount of accidents. Pa raised a few speed limits as a pilot program based off that data and has seen the same result. You can see the same data with a quick google search. Just because your not comfortable going over the speed limit doesnt mean other people arent, or even that they may have better situational awareness or driving ability. There is a even a few race car drivers commuting on public roads. The most dangerous things on roads is differing speeds between cars on the roadway. If everyone went a similar speed, the roads would be alot safer

[@tallll70]

Cars should also come with directions how to use blinkers, just like every public restroom should have directions how to flush toilet...annoying laziness

[@chickenray182]

Years ago a coworker bought a Ford Explorer (during the Firestone days.) I asked her if the high center of gravity bothered her, she had no idea what I was talking about.

[@jeremy8715]

Chicken Ray lol

[@mardamek]

Thank you so much. Sometimes I feel I’m alone in my reasoning, then a video like this comes alone and makes me feel there are other people who think. BTW, I’m driving an SUV now (crossover) but not for the “typical” reasons. My car of 15 years had an engine problem constituting a bigger expense than the car would be worth, and I had to get a new car. At the time of chip shortages (2 years ago) I had to go with what was available (factored in cargo capacity and reliability). That’s how I ended up with an SUV, which I don’t exactly enjoy driving but it gets the job done…

[@groomboek1978]

In the end it also comes down to planning. When residential areas are solely rated for single family homes on large plots, you have a lot of residential road per house, but you will also need a lot of extra highway because these areas will be far away from work and amenities. So you have to spread your tax dollars over more road area, so maintenance will be poorer. Add the fact that public transport and pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is missing so everything has to be done with a car, the roads are also experience a lot of wear and tear.

[@jakesoros2376]

If American cities didn't become 3rd world h3llholes after the 1960s and the race riots therein, then the suburbs wouldn't have become anywhere near as popular as they already have. Nobody wants to be the next Daniel Perry, so people drive cars, and are comfortable with extra travel time in order to avoid the lunacy that's prevalent in our cities. You can say it's fake as much as you want, but the American Citizen voted with his wallet when his vote in the city became irrelevant. You want to fix this problem? Fix the cities, and quick.

[@RazgrizWing]

Its refreshing to see this kind of comment on a car channel.

[@space.cowboy69]

Cars are built with the intent of hitting one another. It’s safer to have two smaller masses contact one another vs two larger masses. A head on collision between a suburban and Toyota Sequoia would be catastrophic compared to a chevy Malibu and a ford fusion. If semi trucks and large vehicles are your concern, trust me, even a Hummer H1 would be flattened by a semi hauling 80,000 pounds of load. You are not safe in an automobile. We are not meant to travel that fast. Safety is in the hands of the driver and intuition. If we were all 10, 15 percent safer on the road, accidents and road fatalities would be greatly reduced. Imagine if that number was increased to 50% safer? A car accident resulting in death would be so rare it would make headlines.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The invention of the cell phone is probably the single most effectual contributor to highway danger levels. Seems it's the only "drunk driving" that gets a pass these days.

[@NeoAutodroid]

THIS People don't understand physics all too well Impact Force = 1/2 mv2/t where m is mass. The greater the mass of the vehicle, the greater the impact force.

[@abusalih8638]

Plus.. manufactures have added all these computerized sensing devices. It’s like ppl have given up on basic driving awareness... Which ups vehicle cost

[@raspiankiado4658]

Why I wish to buy older cars. Despite being a younger person.

[@Penelope416]

@@raspiankiado4658 me too. I could always hook up an older car with a Bluetooth system and that's pretty much it. However I do like the newer hatchback models. I just like the functionality of them.

[@crosses101]

And good luck getting a car without them cuz they just shuv it down ur throat now a days to justify the price.

[@djuanblue8072]

you couldnt buy a vehicle without all that shit if you tried. i remember when a/c, radio, and pwr window/seats was very optional. lol

[@vazilin4ik]

Not only raising the price but makes it pretty much impossible to fix it yourself or get aftermarket parts

[@xubious]

Something I’ve noticed is that the older highways in our state tend to cause drivers to follow less directions. Basically on the new highways here everyone keeps the passing lane open but it’s sort of a free for all on the old crappy highways

[@toranp.8942]

I absolutely hate a 2-lane road at a T-junction, trying to turn either left or right, and having to try and see behind whatever giant vehicle is next to you while its driver easily sees over you

[@aminuabdullahi5922]

I just want the SUV and cross over craze to just end up It’s really ridiculous now

[@Duraputer]

It will when gas prices sky rocket.

[@millerkiller6496]

Same

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

@@Duraputer That will never happen again, it will only lower or stay steady because of the electric takeover. Gas is staying cheap to be competitive, and when it gets overtaken, it will uave to stay cheap to even survive.

[@Tree.fiddy.]

@@fortheloveofnoise9298 Most countries will need seriously expensive and time consuming upgrades to their power grids if electric vehicles start to really take off.

[@illbeyourmonster1959]

@@Duraputer You'll be waiting a long time in the US. In the last ~ 5 years we broke the old oil import price limitation barrier and now are able to produce our own fuels so fast and cheap for so long we can literally kill the world oil market single handedly with little effort. Fact is we are producing NG and crude based fuels so fast and so cheap in some places the NG is basically free for the taking to do anything that can be done with it just to use the stuff up so it doesn't get needlessly flared off!

[@Rcmike1234]

Now imagine trying to convince people to bike. All these SUVs are trying to kill me

[@refraggedbean]

Even the cars are bad, just walking on the sidewalk and crossing properly at red lights I nearly got run over at least once every other day by people paying 0 attention while either running redlights or turning, and I even wait for people to turn most of the time, and biking is worse because everyone thinks the bike lane is just another lane since its wide enough to fit a car in if you include the buffer lane that is meant to keep cars further away from people on bikes

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Try walking in the middle of winter in NY, sorry but encouraging everyone regardless of climate to walk is unrealistic.

[@clintdavis9511]

My bicycle is my daily driver. My days are numbered. People cant believe how many times I've been hit by cars or ran into a car that took my right of way and then stopped directly in my path.

[@roronoasam1]

Rcmike1234 there’s a 50% chance of you dying if you bike in the U.S that shit is nuts I had to stop

[@fairguinevere666]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv we talking nyc or upstate? Cause the city has transit, so you can just use that. And upstate isn't too bad either. I've walked around Ithaca in the winter before. Ice sucked on the steeper hills but otherwise it was fine.

[@IBeforeAExceptAfterK]

More than anything, we need to rethink how we design our cities so that driving is an option rather than a necessity. We're at the point now where I think a lot of people would choose not to drive if they didn't have to.

[@_Devil]

The thing is, major cities are already built like that. They have tons of public transportation and pedestrian areas

[@IBeforeAExceptAfterK]

Maybe in the downtown core they are, but I'm talking about a city's greater metro area. The suburbs are also part of the city they surround, and in the vast majority of them your only option to get anywhere is driving.

[@Freefallendless]

People don't want to get on public transport with a bunch of tweakers and minorities

[@Tobikicksass]

SUVs proper are categorized as trucks as well, and are subject to less restrictive emissions regulations and are thus more polluting and more profitable for companies to sell. For the past 30+ years, SUV advertising has skyrocketed. Aside from the new Nissan Z car, I can’t remember the last ad I saw for a car instead of an SUV. (edited for punctuation)

[@defyyourlogic487]

I absolutely despise the way SUVs drive. Feels so disconnected from the road. Even driving a crossover feels boat like to me.

[@millerkiller6496]

Defy Your Logic I guess you’ve never driven a land yacht before. Those cars are boaty but connected to the road. You are right about suvs feeling disconnected from the road

[@cjeam9199]

I actually like that. They’re comfortable and relaxed. Now to be very fair I don’t have much to compare the experience with, just that my daily driver is a small SUV, and comparing it to the cars I’ve ridden in. I would hope driving nicer cars I’d find cars with a ride and handling I like.

[@defyyourlogic487]

@@millerkiller6496 never have but I've driven most newer types of cars. I used to have a mazda 3 which for it's price felt really good.

[@PeterLegler]

We do have the power to change, its hard, a royal pain in the ass, and slow. However you still have the power to influence those around you. Will you choose to do it is the question?

[@defyyourlogic487]

@@PeterLegler ok lol

[@BenulPlays]

This is the same thing in the UK, I drive a Mini Clubman and that’s not a small car for England but you’ll see these tiny women in X5’s and Cayennes who hog the right lane (England different side) and never use their mirrors and are on their phones, they don’t think, also SUV are less practical day to day with England’s tiny spaces and you’d be right if you think those cars have nicks in their bumpers

[@Shawn_Magara]

Benul Play's hey my friend I work in NY as a MINI technician and I'd love to tell you the love for MINIs isn't dead and it's quite thriving. Brilliant cars! Cheers! 😀😀

[@tSp289]

Chelsea tractors. When I was growing up (rural Wales) there were SUVs about, but they were owned by farmers who'd actually use them off road. Now, townies have them too and they've got a lot bigger. You've never seen stupid until you've seen some tit in an imported wasp-yellow Hummer with spotlights trying to get down a Welsh back-lane, and having to ride up on the bank because they don't fit on the road.

[@mrburgermaster]

I'd hate to have to drive something like an X5 in tight British cities. Even something the size of a mustang would be pushing it.

[@cameronbowshlagger2722]

Also talk about the phenomenon of these massive TVs in our dash too? Maybe if people didn't have to look at a screen to navigate radio, nav, etc, they could drive better too. Go back to tactile buttons where you can instinctively feel your way around the dash.

[@waltwimer2551]

Several years ago, I passed two or three SUVs spun off in ditches during a moderate Western Pennsylvania snow storm while I was driving my 1988 BMW 325is (RWD, manual transmission, no traction control, but good winter tires and ABS). I have despised SUVs for a *long* time now!

[@zacharyhenderson2902]

I mean, people around Pittsburgh are just crazy in general

[@fila1445]

Both my parents drive suvs, they say they feel safer and they don't have to worry about getting stuck in the snow and what not. On the other hand I drive slightly lowered Peugeot 205 and I never in 4 years owning this car got stuck where I live. And i get better fuel economy despite the fact that my car is running on petrol

[@victorpelini5995]

The 205 is a great car, as a french dude I can tell we see these all over the place. Well they kinda old now, beware if you ever wreck cuz you'll die if you get in a wreck with a SUV

[@fila1445]

@@victorpelini5995 i wanted to weld in a roll cage but I found out that they aren't street legal in my country :/

[@tSp289]

Now I'm just picturing the 500BHP Group B 205 T16 doing doughnuts in the snow around a stuck SUV.

[@fila1445]

@@tSp289 fire spiting from exhaust would melt a snow away :D

[@tSp289]

@@fila1445 Might have to give up on that fuel economy idea though. 60mpg? More like 15 gpm

[@CyanYam]

I've recently hated how the excuse for a SUV is because not only does it feel "safer" but it also deals with the terrible conditions are roads are in. If everyone is trying to buy a SUV for a more comfortable ride, isn't that also a problem with our roads?

[@LouisSubearth]

It's a neoliberal way of solving a problem. It's like the plastic straw ban fuss. Sure, reducing our plastic use can reduce the amount of trash that makes it to the oceans, but whatever trash we stop generating is minuscule compared to the waste large factories dispose of in our waterways and the government continues to allow. Plus, SUVs are typically heavier, adding more strain to the crumbling roads.

[@IDIturboDiesel]

The weight of SUVs are nothing compared to overloaded commercial trucks with tens of thousands of pounds.

[@seed_drill7135]

@@IDIturboDiesel If we put more freight back on rails maybe the semi's wouldn't chew up the roads as badly.

[@IDIturboDiesel]

@@seed_drill7135 also our roads should be built better with reinforced concrete like a foot thick.

[@GT-RTData9]

You know what's funny about that, I see more SUVs swerving to avoid bumps and puddles in the road. Why have all that ground clearance and soft suspension if you're not going to use it.

[@mcprol2467]

I feel like the only real solution to fixing the crumbling car infrastructure in the united states is to limit the amount of people driving. Promote public transportation like buses and high speed trains, and of course, encourage people to walk by building neighborhoods that have everything you need nearby ( this would also create a real sense of community, which i feel is sorely missing in a lot of american suburbs and small towns).

[@GiantMonkey9000]

Exactly. The reason why there’s so many inexperienced, uneducated, or distracted drivers on the road is because everyone in America HAS to drive. You literally have no other choice. If we build walkable communities with wide cycling lanes and good public transport, it would actually make America much more pleasant and safe to drive in!

[@Freefallendless]

​​@@GiantMonkey9000no one wants to be on public transport with basketball americans.

[@kg_canuck]

This is a problem for North America in general. I saw a car commercial (I think it was for a toyota, could be wrong) a couple years back that really bothered me. It was of a couple driving along in their new SUV. As they're driving, they look over at each other lovingly. So far so good, pretty normal for a car commercial. Then, the auto-brake assist comes on and brings them to a stop so they don't t-bone some poor fucker. They clutch their pearls, laugh it off, and keep driving, and the voiceover rattles off some spiel about the world class brake assist safety features. A commercial literally telling you "hey, don't worry, you can take your eyes off the road, be as distracted as you want, the car will keep you from killing anyone" I genuinely think about that commercial a lot. And it's just one of many. So many commercials are of these poor saps being so thankful for the features that do basic fundamentals of driving for them. I always make this comparison: if a bulldozer operator was caught being completely distracted at the controls, and relying on sensors to do the job for them, they'd be fired, and might even have to take their license course again. And this makes sense, because a bulldozer is a piece of heavy equipment, and operating it requires training and skill. So why does everyone seem to forget that cars are also pieces of heavy equipment? People act like getting their license is the same as doing an 11th grade science exam. Unless you're going into a scientific field, youll probably just study enough to pass, then forget most of it within weeks. I genuinely believe drivers ed should be absolutely mandatory, no exceptions, it should be longer, more in depth, and have a much higher standard for what constitutes a passing mark. Then, the number of people who are genuine threats to society on the road might drop.

[@fepatton]

Another point about sitting up high (I used to own a Suburban) is that the perception of speed is reduced - you feel like you're going really slowly. If you lack discipline, your natural reaction is to drive faster so the road appears to be going by at the same rate it would if you were driving a normal car. I don't miss my Suburban, except when I need to haul lumber. :D

[@krissimons1339]

Funny you brought this up. When they first came out with jumbo jets they had an issue with pilots overheating their tires when taxing as they were over-speeding the taxi because they were further away from the ground.

[@rmbumc]

i daily a small car and have had to drive higher-sitting cars and can 100% confirm this.

[@TheMcDonaldsMaster2420]

To me that’s an od point of view, different from mine. As a farmer i have always driven pickup trucks. For about three days a while back, i traded my 96 f250 for a small sporty coup my friend had because he needed the truck for a couple days. Anyway, i constantly found myself speeding even more than 10 mph over the limit in the little car, it was alot smaller and smoother than the big old truck. To me atleast, the bigger and higher, the faster a vehicle feels. A semi at 60 feels crazy fast until you get used to it. Even 25 mph up on a tractor feels pretty fast. Just thought it was interesting that your point of few was the complete opposite of me

[@fepatton]

@@TheMcDonaldsMaster2420 That’s funny, because I used to borrow my cousin’s MG Midget, which was tiny. I always thought it was great that I could feel like I was screaming around turns, when in reality I’d be going about 15 mph. 🤣

[@alext3811]

I acutally learned on both my parent's cars, an SUV crossover (Lexus RX) and a Honda Odyssey (that is low to the ground like an actual car), so I never felt that. I'm in uni now, and I still agressively monitor my speed gauges (because I can't tell from feel alone), and I don't remember feeling a difference. Although the minivan is MUCH (that's what I ended up with) slower to accelerate.

[@chasealvarez5209]

I’m just going to say, I hate suvs if i, the small honda civic get rear ended by a big suv that couldn’t stop I would be real messed up. But hey! At least that suv would be real safe.

[@flashfilibuster5382]

Exactly! Stacy doesn't know how dangerous her Suburban can be if it crosses the center line and hits a car. It's straight up murder. I don't "Hate SUV's" as cars I just wish they were far, far less common on our roads. I saw a Dodge Dart get pancaked by a Silverado and that scarred me for life.

[@MiikeyLawless]

Dude for real. Japan has this right, look how small and efficient their average commuter cars are....

[@edgiestofcars]

Michael Peretto they need smaller cars because of the space they have in there cities

[@MiikeyLawless]

@@edgiestofcars We face the same problem in cities. Ever seen LA? lol.

[@edgiestofcars]

Michael Peretto welcome to the land of the g wagon, aka LA

[@l.a.raustadt518]

Agreed. After 42 years as a commercial trucker sure seen the SUV become relement. They suck the safety of traffic in general. Be defensive at all times! No one cares about your family / life but you.

[@teddybruscie]

I think this is where Urbanists and car enthusiasts can shake hands. I think a lot of car enthusiasts think us Public Transit Enthusiasts want to take away their cars when really we want to solve many of the problems of car culture with a Public Transit option. Drive your car. But you must have Public transit you will have more options, less cars and safer roads and better longer lasting and cheaper infrastructure.

[@RagingHamster]

2020 Soccer Moms: "I need an M1 Abrams"

[@Weebwhacker]

@@jackielinde7568 throw some banana peels on the road, that should deter them but make sure to do it daily. It decomposes too so it doesnt hurt your enviroment

[@TheDinkster08]

It's 2020, nobody is driving tanks on the road yet :/

[@XBLHAX]

Yepp while they drive around looking at their facebooks on their phones and texting their other kids.

[@TheBigDanois]

Canadian snow storms... the highway ditches are littered with Karens in 4x4 SUVs with 1000$ winter tires.

[@brkbtjunkie]

TheBigDanois doubt they’re winter tires. Most Karen’s think all seasons are the best ones.

[@onlyetm]

@@brkbtjunkie 100% true 401 in the snow is fun lol

[@noeagosto9231]

brkbeat junkie Agreed

[@MarcelPolman]

Car control < equipment

[@the1anonymouse]

@Tator Nugget people really don't seem to understand that having all 4 wheels powered doesn't suddenly make them exempt from the laws of physics

[@B1Springfield]

I drive a 1963 Fairlane Ranch Wagon daily. It’s got a carbureted 302, 4 speed manual overdrive, manual drum brakes, manual steering, and all the standard safety features offered in 1963. Driving this car requires me to be alert to all my surroundings and other drivers and time my stopping distance properly. People need to have better skill. I think about some of the older cars and ride height was higher, tire profiles allowed for more cushion thinking 15 inch wheels with 60/70 sidewalls. Full frame on the full-size cars. I don’t imagine we have worse roads than what was during the 60s and 70s, especially with the interstate system. Left lane hoggers are why our interstate system does not work like the autobahn.

[@chad9971]

I've contributed to this for some of your reasoning. I drove a 2014 Honda CRZ and I felt like I was going to die every time I got on the freeway out here in California. I had to weave out of the way of all those trucks and SUVs. I needed a new vehicle and ended up getting a 2017 4Runner. Found It cheaper than most 2022-2023 sedans, so thought I'd pay less for more vehicle, and I love this truck. I do miss having a smaller, sporty car. I want to buy a second sportier car just to have fun with (and save gas lol).

[@DanaOrtiz]

The two dislikes are Ed Bolian and his range rover 😂✌️

[@pdk60]

It's getting like this in the UK too, unfortunately. I remember reading about some insurance statistics a few years ago showing that SUV drivers were 4 times more likely to be involved in an accident compared to regular cars. Just shows how misguided the belief is that they're safer, mostly due to complacency.

[@Lameducks]

They only talk about the one statistic that the people inside are safer “in the event of an accident” lol

[@NeoAutodroid]

The Titanic was, in its time, one of the safest ships ever built yet still sank because of incompetent captaining. Humans don't learn from history it seems. A "safer" vehicle should never be substitute for good driving.

[@samusaran7317]

@@NeoAutodroid Incompetence? Yeah right. Lol That was no accident... 👀

[@haiokthebeast]

It's worse when you consider how people in these bigger vehicles percieve the smaller cars. I don't know what runs through their minds half the time but they always seem to think they rule the road and command me. Riding my tail, super bright headlights in my rearview, and seemingly thinking they can slow down just as fast as I can even though they're moving double the weight.

[@NJNate83]

Great video! Thanks for posting this.

[@aztekcolours5468]

I’d rather get a station wagon then a SUV.

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

I rather get a El Camino over a station wagon that little bastard is very practical as a farmer because it's half car half truck it's better than full size duchebag mobiles aka SUV's

[@carmengrace2413]

A suv is just a tall wagon, just have the cool factor a wagon doesn’t.

[@royaltyallen1162]

Carmen Grace wouldn’t that be the crossover?

[@saturndesigns2339]

Aztek Colours yeah wagons have that nice long roof look with sedan driving characteristics. That's why car guys love them. I'd love a caprice wagon from the 90s that fits 8 people lol

[@0852657luis]

Same here i love station wagon. Very few suvs actually catchy attention but a station wagon almost every time. Hell alot of them get better fuel mileage than most suvs out there.

[@buckshot6481]

The other problem is that many states have dropped any form of safety inspection but rigidly enforce worthless emissions test.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

They need to forget newer car inspections and target old vehicles, the typical dangerous, polluter.

[@brendanweller8888]

Actually, older cars (I said cars, not trucks) are actually BETTER for the environment when you compare its lifetime emission levels to the pollutant emissions during the manufacturing of new cars.

[@beeruwu]

@@stephenpowstinger733 nah lol it's already hard asf to get old cars to pass emissions. By driving an old car, you are risking only ur life's safety since it doesn't have new "safe" technology, but it's better that way since you know you can't play around behind the wheel.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Well yes, there is a certain logic to one driving more cautiously in a dangerous old car just as there is a certain danger in getting careless in a modern fully-tricked out new car/SUV. (Fortunately my state has no inspections ).

[@uburn99]

I’m a vehicle inspector and I believe every state needs safety inspections. Vehicles come into the shop where I work from other states or with good stickers from another local inspector who doesn’t actually inspect them with the most ridiculous issues. I mean newer vehicles (two or three years old) tires showing wires, ball joints and wheel bearings worn slap out, axle nuts loose, and headlights hazed over so bad that the headlights barely show up on the wall inside the building. Along side of inspections I believe vehicle companies need to do away with “automatic headlights” if it’s not a certain level of dark outside they will not come on. You’re driving your kids to school in thick fog with no lights on at all. States aren’t worried about insanely dangerous vehicles (yes, even your pretty new suv) being on their roads and modern automakers are making stupid drivers feel smart which causes accidents.

[@ga-america5030]

I purchased an SUV to protect my wife and children. 2020 started out with a bang and losing that SUV to an accident from a negligent driver. It saved all of us from being crunched and major injury from a driver falling asleep at the wheel at 50. We have no control on those around us but we can control what's around us. We can't control what's driven and who's driving nor if they maintain their vehicles. The trade off for myself is safety, use of volumetrics, use through long travel etc. Safety being top priority led me to my purchase. The roads in my area are relatively maintained but the influx of in and out of staters that don't regularly drive the same infrastructure through all 3 1/2 seasons(short mild winter) leave much desired on why would I buy a car? More often then not there's plenty of bad drivers in all makes and models that research their vehicle other than for x y but not z.

[@MrRossharrell]

I love how many solutions we can come up with and problems to identify as long as it has nothing to do with slowing down.