Rage Against the Machine

Kudos to James Ricci (“Attention All You Rugged SUV Owners: Get Real and Get a Van,” SoCal P.O.V., May 7). But I was mildly disappointed that he didn’t call out SUV drivers for their aggression on the road.

Ever since one brazenly forced my wife to slam her car into a wall two years ago, we have been comparing notes repeatedly on close encounters with these road bullies.

Dan Phairas

Los Angeles

*

This is the most pathetic, whiny piece I’ve read in ages. My family has been driving SUVs since 1976 for one reason only--safety for our own three children, and today for grandchildren, as well.

Ricci and his ilk should not only get a life, they should also get an SUV.

Patricia McCarthy

Burbank

*

I normally agree with the point of view expressed but the overall tone was so whiny that I found myself almost siding with the SUV owners. The picture showed an SUV that had been rear-ended by another car going so fast that it had buried itself up to the SUV’s steering wheel. The negligent driver should be grateful that he or she hit a high-clearance vehicle, leaving room to burrow, instead of a smaller car, which would have resulted in a much nastier collision.

Bob Burket

Santa Monica

*

The answer is garbage trucks. They have all the attributes that SUV owners crave: They are even bigger, taller, more uncomfortable to ride in, use even more fuel, and when it comes to poor high-speed handling, they are second to none.

Paul W. Rosenberger

Manhattan Beach

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Ricci did not mention pickup trucks, which seem to be carrying more people instead of cargo these days. It’s sad to see families stuffed into the back seats (even the newer models with extended cabs do not have the space of some larger cars and, of course, vans). People (non-farmers, non-contractors, etc.) should take advantage of truck rental services when they haul large, heavy items, and give their families a break.

Mike Tinnirello

Lancaster

*

The day they take my Suburban away from me is when they pry my cold, dead fingers off the steering wheel.

Debra A. Ferreira

Huntington Beach

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If Ricci thinks a No-Fear-decal-in-the- window, Death-Before-Dishonor-tattoo, Nine-Inch-Nails-blaring-from-the-CD-player

dude is today’s typical SUV owner, he hasn’t been paying attention. Take a look around you. The owners of these behemoths are the white-knuckles, eyes-straight-ahead, 20-mph-straddling-two-lanes type. They are scared to death and would drive a tank if it were legal and affordable.

Earl Eager Albert

Temple City