Friday, May 26, 2006

Calling All SUV Drivers

Do you realize that you make a better door than window?

I drive a station wagon. In other words, I'm not that high off the ground.

Whenever I try to turn out of our subdivision, or try to turn onto any busy road from a not-so-busy road, the inevitable SUV pulls up right next to me to turn in the opposite direction. I wouldn't have a problem with this except that they usually pull all the way forward so that I can't see around them without pulling out into traffic myself. It's a dangerous situation. It's also inconsiderate beyond belief.

When we're going to be in a group photo, how do we instinctively organize ourselves? Short in front, tall in back, right? A tall person who stands in front of a short person and doesn't recognize his gaffe is considered socially inept. So why don't we hold SUV drivers to the same standard?

Once, I actually knew the person driving the SUV that blocked my view. She saw my frustration almost immediately, and graciously backed up a bit so that I could see around her. I wanted to get out of my car on the spot and give her a huge hug. She's the only SUV driver I've ever seen do such a thing.

I suppose my frustration should also apply to drivers of vans and trucks, because they pose the same visual barrier to people driving shorter cars. But, honestly, I can't recall very many vans or trucks doing the same thing to me. Is it because SUVs outnumber these other tall vehicles? Is it because van and truck drivers have more of a clue? I don't know what the answer is.

In any case, the short car drivers of America beg you -- stay in the back if you drive an SUV. Have pity on the little people who can't afford a gas guzzler like yours.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I'll be good, I'll be good, I swear!

:D

I actually drive one of the stupid things, and to show you how insanely large they are getting, I've had the same problems as you!

Some of these beasts (I mean, they literally have an SUV called THE ARMADA!) are so big they make *me* look like a mini-Cooper, so I can only imagine what they do to normal cars.

I take some comfort from the fact that I use mine for *real* SUV activities like camping. And the fact that I watch for other cars!

So fellow SUV people - be careful!

And don't get me started on Hummers!

-Kristin