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Thursday, April 24, 2008

SUV Gas Guzzlers

Disclaimer: I drive an SUV. Now that the price of gas has skyrocketed there are more and more media articles about gas guzzlers.

I can't understand why SUVs (sport utility vehicles) are always singled out whenever someone writes or talks about vehicles with high fuel consumption.

There are hundreds of pickup trucks on the road that have never hauled anything heavier than a few bags of groceries. They get less milage than any SUV. There are thousands of vans on the road that get way less milage than even the poorest SUV. There are cars that do likewise. Just check the transport Canada booklet.

"We have a large family and have to have a van to haul the kids around along with all their equipment," is often what I hear, or similar. Well big deal, I have paid taxes all my life at the highest rate and I have just as much right to drive my a**e around by itself as you do your van full of kids.

Actually my SUV gets quite good milage, considering the size and it's creature comforts. But I really drive it for different reasons.

The driving position is high, allowing me to see way ahead in any kind of traffic, giving an extra safety margin.
The same driving position puts my line of sight high out of the wheel spray on rainy days, rather than in it like a car.
It is comfortable, whether on the highway, back road or where ever.
If I buy something large, I can take it home rather than depending on delivery people.
It is spacious with all the controls and creature comfort items within easy reach.
Perhaps most important of all, with all the idiots on the road today that pay no attention to the fact they are driving, if my defensive driving doesn't allow me to escape a collision, at least I am in a vehicle that is not likely to come out second best.

So if you are a writer, commentator or other person that knocks gas guzzlers, under the pretense of protecting the environment at least include them all.

-=One Day At A Time=-