ABSTRACT
The number of sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) on U.S. roads has grown substantially in recent years. Despite their popularity, SUVs have several potential disadvantages. The present study examined people's (N=370) perceptions of several SUV aspects (seeing above or around the SUV, collision involvement with smaller vehicles, headlights "blinding" other drivers, rollover, and low gas mileage) as a function of their SUV driving experience. Gas mileage was rated the most negative aspect of SUVs. Participants who had no SUV driving experience gave higher problem ratings to the SUV aspects than participants who drive an SUV or have some SUV diiving experience. SUV drivers gave lower problem ratings than non-SUV drivers for aspects that could negatively affect non-SUV drivers (obscured line of sight, headlight glare, crash severity). Implications for driving safety and warnings are discussed.
