Date:         Mon, 11 Jan 1999 10:59:04 PST
Reply-To:     Tom Bielavitz <bielavitz@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tom Bielavitz <bielavitz@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: SUVs VS TINCANS!
Comments: To: satcong@VOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain

I suppose an argument can be made for the Darwinism of vehicles- if
driving a SUV is safer, more people will buy and drive them.  And that
is certainly happening. Within that scope, an argument can no longer be
made that it is a classist progression, as there are plenty of older SUV
affordable at any price point- they are no longer only obtainable by the
more affluent members of society.

The only thing I think should be regulated by the governemnt is the gas
intake and pollution output of these vehicles- as we know, most states
classify them as "Trucks" and have looser emissions standards. It's time
the lawbooks are changed to reflect the actual use of most of these
vehicles and stiffen up the emissions regulations.  Regulations of any
other sort would be an enfrigement of consumer rights.  If the American
comsumer decides that SUVs are indeed dangerous, they'll go the way of
the Corvair.

Bielavitz
>
>Chris - Weight, height, "intimidation factor", gas mileage.  Our
>Vanagons share far more in common with "SUVs" than cars!
>
>Doesn't it give your conscience pangs to think that you & your family
>might be able to survive an accidental collision with a Taurus Wagon
>better than those poor souls in the Taurus???
>
>Don't you "feel" far more "guilty" driving a vehicle with a speedometer
>which actually reads up to "100mph" while other, more "responsible"
>folks are driving cars with the old government-mandated speedos which
>only read up to 85mph???
>
>Jeez, government wierdo flunkies have our best interests at heart,
don't
>they?
>
>BOB - WA4RRN
>'85GL - GORE FOR FOUR MORE!
>


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