Malcolm Gladwell (author of The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, a very interesting book) writes a scathing report on the ascendancy of the Sports Utility Vehicle and the false security these cars provide: Big and Bad - How the SUV ran over automotive safety.

Safety is about more than just being the biggest, baddest mother on the road with a car that eats Jettas for a mid-morning snack. Frame construction, handling, driver psychology, and awareness of road conditions are areas SUVs score very poorly.

Jettas are safe because they make their drivers feel unsafe. S.U.V.s are unsafe because they make their drivers feel safe. That feeling of safety isn't the solution; it's the problem.

Before you rush to piss on or cheer for SUVs, read Gladwell's article.