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Car's vs. Sport Utility Vehicles - Why Would You Want An SUV?Nov 17 '00 Write an essay on this topic.I ask this question in regards to some safety issues concerning SUV's. The lead in to this category is as follows: SUV's are tremendously popular today. What they give up in handling, they make up for in safety and space. What are the relative advantages or disadvantages of cars versus SUV's? While I do agree with the first part, that they are very popular, I must disagree with the safety issue. In truth, SUV's can be extremely dangerous when fully loaded. Since the SUV stands taller, the center of gravity is already higher. This makes the handling more difficult, and the risk of a rollover more likely. This is generally not a problem unless the vehicle is fully loaded. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the total weight capacity of their SUV and wrongly assume that whatever will fit inside their SUV can safely be carried. Many SUV's do not even have any information available to owners on what the actual weight capacity is. Did you know that many popular SUV's can safely carry less than a one thousand pound cargo? For a five seat vehicle, this is a very small amount. One SUV, the Suzuki X90 safely carries a maximum capacity of only 400 pounds! The Geo Tracker can safely carry up to 750 pounds. These are only a couple of examples of the many SUV's on the market, but it's enough to make you think twice about what is best for your family. In a study by Consumer Reports, 5 men were loaded into a Ford Explorer. When the vehicle was weighed, it was over the safe limit. Next, they loaded a couple into the Ford Explorer along with 4 average suitcases. Once again, the maximum weight capacity was exceeded. Additionally, many people carry an additional load on the roof of their SUV. This is dangerous because it makes an already top heavy vehicle even more likely to roll over. Wherever you place your cargo though, if you exceed the maximum safe limits, you are putting yourself and your passengers at risk. I had been considering an SUV for my family, but upon learning of these issues, I've decided against it. For a family of 6 like mine, this would not be a safe route to go. Though I have not determined the specific weight of my family and our camping gear, I'm certain that we would easily exceed the safe maximum capacity on most trips we make together. Take, for example a typical vacation to Michigan's Adventure: (See my review of Michigan's Adventure for more information on this wonderful family vacation spot) Six people, coolers, sleeping bags, tents, lanterns, flashlights, cameras, toiletries, travel games and books, clothing, and other supplies. This is not a complete list, only a rough idea. But as you can see, the weight is quickly adding up. In Contrast Many cars and minivans can safely carry as much if not more than some SUV's. For instance, the Ford Taurus Wagon has a maximum capacity of 1,200 pounds, and the Volkswagen Eurovan can hold a maximum capacity of 1,400 pounds. Even the Volkswagen New Beetle can safely carry 920 pounds, which is more than some of the popular SUV's. Though a SUV may be fine for some families, the important thing to consider is what your vehicle will be used for. If you plan on carrying a heavy load, you may want to think again about buying a SUV. If you do decide to purchase the SUV, you may wish to check out the vehicle specifications to determine which SUV is right of you and your family. For more information on Maximum Load Capacities of various SUV's visit http://www.consumerreports.org/Special/ConsumerInterest/Reports/0012suv4.html  |
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