Drivers, Not SUVs, Are Biggest Problem

“Study Questions Safety of SUVs” (Feb.18) says the study indicated driver-related factors could account for some of the differences in risks, especially in the light pickup truck class. However, the study suggests that driver-related factors couldn’t account for the combined risks of these vehicles being greater than those of most cars.

As one who has driven more that a quarter of a million miles on Los Angeles-area freeways in the last seven years, I feel qualified to say that driver-related factors, and not physical vehicle characteristics, probably represent the major component of accidents involving SUVs and light pickup trucks.

I have noted that drivers of pickups, and to a slightly lesser extent, SUVs, are the most rude, arrogant and reckless drivers on the roads. The frequency with which they speed, change lanes without signaling and recklessly cut across two or three lanes of traffic,are the primary reasons the vehicles they drive are implicated in the highest number of fatalities.

Although I do not wish to minimize the significance of physical factors such as center of gravity or the occasional tire failure, I think that if one truly wishes to improve highway safety, the focus must be on citing these drivers, and getting those who choose to drive recklessly off the roads.

Alan Miller, M.D.

Pasadena