Getting used to driving small cars...

[twowheels]

Every time I see a truck like that next to a small car, pedestrian, bicyclist, etc, all I can think of is impeding death. Don't you feel even a tiny tinge of guilt?

[Thirty-Nine]

Originally Posted by twowheels

Every time I see a truck like that next to a small car, pedestrian, bicyclist, etc, all I can think of is impeding death. Don't you feel even a tiny tinge of guilt?

No.

First off, I don't own a vehicle that large, and probably never would. I prefer to drive smaller vehicles. If I were to buy an off-road-capable vehicle, I'd get a four-cylinder Toyota or a Suzuki. That's just me, though.

Secondly, people are free to buy whatever vehicle they like and customize it as they choose (within the law, of course). Additionally, the large trucks I drove were show or tow vehicles, but were actually used off road and for vehicle recovery. These weren't pavement or carpet queens—they were workers.

[twowheels]

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

No.

First off, I don't own a vehicle that large, and probably never would.

Ah... OK... I didn't realize that the pictured vehicle wasn't yours, I got the impression that you were showing your two vehicles side by side.

Secondly, people are free to buy whatever vehicle they like and customize it as they choose (within the law, of course).

That's the thing... most aren't within the laws, particularly regarding bumpers; mudflpaps; tire extension beyond body; etc, though enforcement is lax. Also, I think that the laws should regulate crash compatibility better... if you want off-road capability you could remove/fold bumpers/etc to get the additional clearance -- or trailer it. In Europe they even test for pedestrian injury.

Additionally, the large trucks I drove were show or tow vehicles, but were actually used off road and for vehicle recovery. These weren't pavement or carpet queens—they were workers.

Sure, such vehicles have a place, but the majority of the most outlandish vehicles are that way for looks not function.

[Yaris Hilton]

Gas is already rising again, of course. Late last fall gas was under $1.30 here. Now it's about to crack $2.00 again. A year ago it was pushing $4.00, and I expect we'll see that return before long.

[tomato]

Originally Posted by twowheels

Every time I see a truck like that next to a small car, pedestrian, bicyclist, etc, all I can think of is impeding death. Don't you feel even a tiny tinge of guilt?

I wouln't. I've been driving small cars for a long time now, but I didn't always, and each vehicle has its place on or off the road. You won't see contractors haul their stuff with a Yaris and you won't see me drive a truck to work. But each vehicle has its purpose.

And by the way, that red truck parked next to the Yaris is awesome! Whoever owns that thing can be proud! (well as long as they drive it responsibly and for the purpose the vehicle was designed for, I guess)

[Thirty-Nine]

Originally Posted by tomato

And by the way, that red truck parked next to the Yaris is awesome! Whoever owns that thing can be proud! (well as long as they drive it responsibly and for the purpose the vehicle was designed for, I guess)

It's owned by Warn Industries (e.g. Warn winches). I used to be the PR Manager for them.

[360cubes]

Originally Posted by twowheels

Every time I see a truck like that next to a small car, pedestrian, bicyclist, etc, all I can think of is impeding death. Don't you feel even a tiny tinge of guilt?

This is why I don't like parking my Freightliner with an oversized load in a mall parking lot. One morning - at 5am, I went to retrieve it (I had an agreement at the time with the mall management to park overnight there by the way), there was some sale on at Wal-Mart, and as it's a 24hour store, I had to get the auto centre to help clear me a path to get out.

When necessary, us who drive larger vehicles always try our darndest to look out for the smaller guys. Now, I just park the tractor there and leave the trailer 38km away. I'm all for bike lanes along city streets!

Once gas goes up to $4/gal again and in a few years when the three wheeled Yaris becomes the next best selling compact worldwide and can be driven in a widened bicycle lane as it won't be able to top 60km/h with it's half a litre engine, I'll be game!, and my wife would most likely be in line to buy one.