CIVILIZING THE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE

This article takes a look at the impact the growing popularity of the sport utility vehicles (SUV) and other light trucks is having in the United States. The article points out the good news: the consumer's discovery that the SUV offers an unprecedented combination of size, versatility and comfort; the same vehicle can be used to go to and from work, fulfill carpooling responsibilities, haul cargo or tow boats on recreational trips, and take the older children to and from college. The bad news is that sales of the vehicles have increased so rapidly that regulators and vehicle manufacturers have not devoted adequate attention to the consequences for safety and environmental objectives. The article urges an effort by regulators and vehicle manufacturers to cooperate in reducing the health, safety, and environmental risks of light trucks and SUVs without decreasing their advantages for consumers.