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SENT com NN The DT Whore's NP Child NP by IN Richard NP Russo NP New NP Republic NP American NP Studies NPS by IN Louis NP Menand NP Esquire NN Officer NP Friendly NP and CC Other NP Stories NP by IN Lewis NP Robinson NP All DT Reviews NNS Find VVP Books NNS Award NN Winners NNS Book NP Clubs NPS Great NP Deals NPS Harry NP Potter NP Hosted VVD Bookshelves NNS Hot NP Titles NNS Lord NP of IN the DT Rings NP Recently RB Arrived VVD Used VVN Staff NN Picks VVZ Read VV the DT City NP Author NN Interviews NNS From IN the DT Author NN Fup NN . SENT Store NP Cat NP . SENT Other JJ Voices NNS Review NP a DT Day NP Writer's NP Almanac NN Win NP Free NP Books NPS . SENT Daily NP Dose NP Cheese NP Hurts VVZ . SENT PowellsBooks NNS . SENT news NN June NP 30 CD , , 2004 CD Archived JJ Editions NNS More JJR newsletters NNS American JJ Rivers NP The NP Atlantic NP Monthly NP Blue NP Ear NP Dr NP . SENT Dobb's NP Journal NP Free NP Will NP Astrology NN Mother NP Jones NP Mothering VVG Nature NP Factoids NNS New NP Dimensions NNS Poets NNS Writers NP Salon NP . 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SENT Anatomy NN of IN the DT Ultra JJ Secret NP National NP Security NP Agency NP by IN James NP Bamford NP Your PP$ Price NN . SENT 15 CD . SENT 95 CD New NP Trade NP Paper NP High NP and CC Mighty NP . SENT SUVs NP . SENT The DT World's NP Most RBS Dangerous JJ Vehicles NNS and CC How WRB They PP Got VVD That DT Way NN by IN Keith NP Bradsher NP Axle NN of IN Evil JJ A NP Review NP by IN Gregg NP Easterbrook NP I PP . SENT Last JJ fall's NNS sniper NN attacks NNS in IN Montgomery NP County NP , , Maryland NP , , created VVD gridlock NN outside IN public JJ schools NNS , , as IN many JJ parents NNS responded VVD by IN driving VVG their PP$ children NNS each DT morning NN . SENT Sitting VVG in IN the DT paralyzed JJ traffic NN around IN my PP$ children's JJ middle JJ school NN during IN that DT period NN , , intersections NNS in IN three CD directions NNS blocked VVN by IN queues NNS of IN metal NN , , I PP beheld VVD what WP modern JJ transportation NN trends NNS have VHP wrought JJ . SENT At IN least JJS half PDT the DT machines NNS jockeying VVG for IN position NN at IN the DT drop NN off IN point NN were VBD some DT form NN of IN sport NN utility NN vehicle NN SUV NP a DT clear JJ mirror NN of IN buying VVG trends NNS , , since IN SUVs NP and CC deceptively RB named VVN light JJ pickup NN trucks NNS now RB represent VVP half NN of IN new JJ vehicle NN sales NNS . SENT Many JJ of IN the DT SUVs NP were VBD huge JJ , , twice RB the DT size NN of IN regular JJ four CD door NN cars NNS . SENT Drivers NNS of IN the DT SUVs NP were VBD usually RB the DT aggressive JJ ones NNS , , trying VVG to TO barge NN to TO the DT front NN and CC cut VV off RP the DT cars NNS of IN people NNS who WP were VBD , , after IN all DT , , the DT parents NNS of IN their PP$ kids NNS friends NNS at IN school NN . SENT What WP I PP observed VVD , , facing VVG the DT tonnage NN of IN automotive JJ sheet NN metal NN lined VVD up RP outside IN Cabin NN John NP Middle NP School NP in IN this DT suburban JJ haven NN , , represented VVD twenty CD years NNS of IN public JJ policy NN fiasco NN . SENT Perverse JJ federal JJ regulations NNS have VHP actually RB encouraged VVN auto NN companies NNS to TO make VV SUVs NP big JJ and CC wasteful JJ , , creating VVG the DT very JJ emblem NN of IN contemporary JJ selfishness NN . SENT Special JJ congressional JJ exemptions NNS permit VVP the DT vehicles NNS to TO emit VV far RB more JJR smog NN forming VVG pollutants NNS and CC greenhouse NN gases NNS than IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT Safety NN loopholes NNS allow VVP SUVs NP to TO be VB more RBR dangerous JJ than IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT it PP is VBZ a DT common JJ fallacy NN that IN the DT occupants NNS inside IN SUVs NP are VBP safer JJR than IN they PP would MD be VB in IN ordinary JJ cars NNS , , and CC these DT Godzillas NP are VBP instruments NNS of IN death NN for IN non JJ SUV NP driving NN motorists NNS . SENT Advertising NN has VHZ created VVN the DT illusion NN that IN owning VVG an DT SUV NP has VHZ something NN to TO do VV with IN being VBG outdoorsy JJ and CC adventurous JJ , , yet RB hardly RB any DT of IN these DT vehicles NNS are VBP used VVN off IN road NN , , and CC the DT kind NN of IN four CD wheel NN drive NN systems NNS that IN many JJ sport NN to TO maintain VV the DT off JJ road NN fiction NN are VBP nearly RB worthless JJ in IN normal JJ driving NN conditions NNS , , and CC even RB in IN snow NN . SENT Still RB other JJ perverse JJ special JJ favors NNS have VHP allowed VVN SUVs NP to TO have VH blackout NN windows NNS , , mammoth JJ grill NN guards NNS , , dazzling JJ headlights NNS , , and CC other JJ features NNS designed VVN to TO make VV the DT vehicles NNS as IN aggressive JJ and CC hostile JJ as RB possible JJ . SENT To TO top VV off RP the DT scandal NN , , the DT petroleum NN waste NN trends NNS caused VVN by IN the DT SUV NP and CC its PP$ cousin NN , , the DT light JJ pickup NN which WDT is VBZ also RB exempt JJ from IN most JJS safety NN and CC environmental JJ rules NNS for IN regular JJ cars NNS , , though IN millions NNS of IN supposedly RB commercial JJ purpose NN pickups NNS are VBP used VVN as IN cars NNS , , keep VV American JJ society NN perilously RB dependent JJ on IN Persian NP Gulf NP oil NN , , diverting VVG 20 CD billion CD annually RB to TO Saudi NP Arabia NP and CC its PP$ anti JJ American JJ extremists NNS , , and CC 10 CD billion CD annually RB to TO Saddam NP Hussein NP himself PP . SENT Stuck VVN in IN the DT school NN bound VVN traffic NN , , I PP marveled VVD at IN the DT absurdity NN of IN our PP$ national JJ situation NN . SENT The DT country NN was VBD preparing VVG to TO make VV war NN with IN Saddam NP partly RB over IN his PP$ oil NN , , and CC here RB was VBD a DT parade NN of IN SUVs NP brazenly RB attesting VVG to TO the DT rarely RB discussed VVN fact NN that IN American JJ gasoline NN stations NNS are VBP Saddam's NP financial JJ benefactor NN . SENT Every DT time NN an DT SUV NP or CC light JJ pickup NN leaves VVZ the DT showroom NN in IN the DT United NP States NPS , , fanatics NNS smile VVP in IN the DT Persian NP Gulf NP . SENT But CC it PP was VBD not RB the DT public JJ policy NN fiasco NN of IN the DT SUV NP that WDT was VBD on IN my PP$ mind NN that IN morning NN so RB much RB as IN the DT existential JJ fiasco NN of IN the DT SUV NP . SENT These DT vehicles NNS have VHP converted VVN driving VVG from IN a DT convenience NN and CC sometimes RB a DT pleasure NN into IN a DT nerve NN wracking VVG Darwinian JJ battle NN . SENT Justified VVN as IN a DT response NN to TO road NN rage NN , , SUVs NP and CC light JJ pickups NNS are VBP actually RB the DT root NN cause NN of IN it PP . SENT Can MD it PP be VB a DT coincidence NN that IN road NN rage NN started VVD to TO become VV a DT national JJ concern NN in IN the DT mid JJ 1990 CD s PP , , just RB as IN these DT pharaonic JJ contraptions NNS began VVD flooding VVG the DT roads NNS . SENT Can MD it PP be VB a DT coincidence NN that IN road NN rage NN gets VVZ worse RBR annually RB , , pretty RB much RB in IN sync NN with IN the DT annual JJ rise NN in IN the DT percentage NN of IN vehicles NNS that WDT are VBP SUVs NP or CC pickups NNS . SENT These DT machines NNS are VBP designed VVN to TO bring VV out RP the DT worst JJS in IN their PP$ owners NNS while IN simultaneously RB making VVG them PP feel VVP that IN they PP are VBP invincible JJ . SENT And CC they PP simply RB take VV up RP space NN , , shrinking VVG the DT road NN and CC parking NN acreage NN and CC increasing VVG all DT forms NNS of IN congestion NN . SENT Traffic NN studies NNS show VVP that IN the DT typical JJ SUV NP occupies VVZ as IN much JJ road NN and CC parking NN space NN as IN 1 CD . SENT 4 CD regular JJ cars NNS . SENT Driving VVG in IN America NP has VHZ long RB been VBN leaned VVN on IN as IN a DT metaphor NN for IN various JJ aspects NNS of IN the DT national JJ psyche NN . SENT Now RB , , thanks NNS to TO SUVs NP and CC light JJ pickups NNS , , driving NN is VBZ a DT metaphor NN for IN anxiety NN inducing VVG unpleasantness NN , , petty JJ aggression NN against IN neighbors NNS , , and CC profanity NN shouting NN and CC finger NN flipping VVG during IN routine JJ daily JJ events NNS . SENT The DT SUV NP represents VVZ a DT pitiable JJ equation NN of IN a DT listless JJ activity NN sitting VVG in IN a DT chair NN and CC pressing VVG a DT pedal VV with IN virility NN . SENT Why WRB don't JJ the DT automakers NNS in IN Detroit NP realize VVP that IN they PP are VBP cooking VVG their PP$ own JJ goose NN with IN SUVs NP . SENT Detroit NP has VHZ spent VVN the DT years NNS of IN SUV NP mania NN promoting VVG vehicles NNS that WDT cause VVP roads NNS to TO become VV clogged JJ and CC driving VVG to TO become VV insufferable JJ . SENT Surely RB this DT cannot NN be VB in IN the DT long JJ term NN interest NN of IN car NN manufacturers NNS . SENT Watching VVG my PP$ suburban JJ neighbors NNS in IN the DT SUV NP gridlock NN , , I PP had VHD two CD other JJ thoughts NNS . SENT I PP reminded VVD myself PP that IN I PP know VVP congenial JJ and CC kind JJ hearted VVN people NNS who WP own VVP these DT monstrosities NNS . SENT Some DT bought VVN SUVs NP because IN they PP were VBD tricked VVN into IN believing VVG that IN they PP are VBP safer JJR than IN regular JJ cars NNS or CC provide VV better JJR traction NN or CC because IN most JJS of IN the DT media NNS , , addicted VVN to TO car NN advertising NN revenue NN , , discreetly RB avoid VV reporting VVG on IN how WRB SUVs NP kill VV . SENT Other JJ kindly RB SUV NP owners NNS simply RB went VVD along RP with IN a DT fad NN . SENT Lots NNS of IN nice JJ people NNS have VHP fallen VVN for IN the DT SUV NP , , one CD reason NN that IN it PP has VHZ become VVN ubiquitous JJ . SENT I PP also RB reflected VVD that IN of IN all PDT the DT causes NNS taken VVN up RP by IN well RB educated VVN people NNS of IN the DT middle JJ and CC upper JJ middle JJ classes NNS the DT same JJ demographic JJ that WDT gave VVD money NN to TO Al NP Gore NP and CC voted VVD for IN him PP decisively RB in IN the DT last JJ presidential JJ election NN the DT scandal NN of IN the DT SUV NP is VBZ not RB on IN the DT list NN . SENT SUV NP buyers NNS are VBP disproportionately RB prosperous JJ and CC well RB educated VVN , , since IN most JJS SUVs NP cost NN more RBR than IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT Well RB educated VVN and CC prosperous JJ people NNS seem VVP to TO have VH no DT complaints NNS about IN SUVs NP because IN they PP believe VVP that IN the DT fad NN benefits VVZ them PP . SENT perhaps RB because IN they PP think VVP that IN SUVs NP make VVP them PP safer JJR , , or CC perhaps RB because IN SUVs NP satisfy VV some DT deep JJ private JJ need NN . SENT Maybe RB some DT of IN these DT fine JJ people NNS privately RB long RB to TO bellow VV at IN the DT world NN to TO get VV out RP of IN their PP$ way NN . SENT Keith NP Bradsher NP covers VVZ much RB of IN this DT ground NN in IN his PP$ dazzling JJ book NN , , a DT history NN of IN the DT SUV NP and CC the DT public JJ policy NN disaster NN that WDT swirls VVZ around IN it PP . SENT The DT former JJ Detroit NP bureau NN chief NN of IN The DT New NP York NP Times NP , , Bradsher NP writes VVZ with IN knowledge NN and CC confidence NN . SENT His PP$ book NN is VBZ a DT masterpiece NN of IN its PP$ kind NN , , splendidly RB combining VVG reporting NN , , analysis NN , , and CC indignation NN . SENT It PP belongs VVZ on IN the DT same JJ shelf NN as IN Ralph NP Nader's NP Unsafe JJ at IN Any DT Speed NN and CC Ida NP Tarbell's NP The DT History NN of IN Standard NP Oil NP , , chronicles VVZ of IN the DT dangerous JJ interaction NN of IN corporate JJ perfidy NN and CC regulatory JJ breakdown NN . SENT High NP and CC Mighty NP tells VVZ us PP more RBR than IN we PP may MD care VV to TO know VV about IN how WRB government NN malfunctions NNS , , and CC about IN the DT more JJR disturbing JJ aspects NNS of IN the DT American JJ cult NN of IN driving VVG . SENT II NP . SENT Americans NPS have VHP always RB loved VVN large JJ cars NNS well RB , , almost RB always RB , , and CC this DT brings VVZ us PP to TO the DT birth NN of IN the DT SUV NP . SENT Following VVG the DT oil NN crunch NN in IN 1973 CD , , gasoline NN was VBD much RB more RBR expensive JJ in IN real JJ dollar NN terms NNS than IN it PP is VBZ today NN , , and CC Congress NP imposed VVD fuel NN economy NN standards NNS on IN passenger NN vehicles NNS . SENT These DT factors NNS combined VVN with IN Detroit's NP severe JJ quality NN control NN problems NNS of IN the DT 1970 CD s PP and CC the DT advent NN of IN high JJ quality NN Toyotas NP , , Hondas NP , , and CC Datsuns NNS to TO make VV smaller JJR cars NNS fashionable JJ during IN the DT late JJ 1970 CD s PP and CC early RB 1980 CD s PP . SENT Buyers NNS were VBD abandoning VVG land NN yachts NNS for IN nimble JJ small JJ or CC mid JJ size NN vehicles NNS . SENT Detroit NP needed VVD a DT new JJ large JJ vehicle NN product NN to TO help VV reverse VV its PP$ declining VVG market NN share NN . SENT At IN about IN the DT same JJ time NN , , the DT old JJ American NP Motors NP company NN was VBD making VVG a DT push NN to TO market VV its PP$ Jeep NN brand NN as IN a DT vehicle NN for IN everyone NN , , not RB just RB for IN backwoodsmen NNS . SENT The DT company NN was VBD in IN financial JJ trouble NN . SENT Bradsher NP reports VVZ that IN its PP$ lobbyists NNS told VVD officials NNS of IN Richard NP Nixon's NP newly RB created VVD Environmental NP Protection NP Agency NP EPA NP that IN if IN the DT company NN went VVD under IN , , they PP would MD blame VV the DT anti JJ pollution NN rules NNS of IN the DT newly RB passed VVN Clean NP Air NP Act NP . SENT So IN the DT EPA NP wrote VVD a DT waiver NN that IN essentially RB exempted VVN Jeeps NNS from IN anti JJ smog NN regulation NN , , on IN the DT grounds NNS that IN they PP were VBD not RB cars NNS but CC light JJ trucks NNS . SENT That DT trucks NNS should MD get VV a DT pass NN on IN clean JJ air NN rules NNS was VBD itself PP something NN of IN an DT absurdity NN . SENT Ostensibly RB the DT provision NN was VBD to TO protect VV business NN , , but CC since IN the DT deadweight JJ cost NN of IN pollution NN control NN is VBZ the DT same JJ from IN the DT standpoint NN of IN the DT economy NN regardless RB of IN whether IN the DT price NN is VBZ imposed VVN on IN individuals NNS or CC on IN businesses NNS , , the DT distinction NN never RB made VVD much JJ sense NN . SENT In IN any DT event NN , , Jeeps NNS were VBD issued VVN a DT free JJ pass NN . SENT You PP can MD guess VV what WP followed VVD . SENT Other JJ manufacturers NNS demanded VVD free JJ passes NNS for IN anything NN even RB vaguely RB truckish JJ , , including VVG light JJ pickups NNS . SENT Automakers NNS rushed VVD to TO create VV a DT new JJ class NN of IN large JJ vehicles NNS with IN obscure JJ design NN elements NNS such JJ as IN the DT option NN of IN ordering VVG a DT model NN with IN panel NN sides NNS instead RB of IN rear JJ side NN windows NNS that WDT allowed VVD manufacturers NNS to TO claim VV that IN they PP were VBD trucks NNS , , even RB if IN they PP were VBD plainly RB intended VVN for IN use NN as IN cars NNS . SENT To TO this DT day NN , , every DT SUV NP and CC light JJ pickup NN sold VVN in IN the DT United NP States NPS is VBZ allowed VVN to TO emit VV substantially RB more JJR smog NN forming VVG pollutants NNS than IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT Dramatic JJ action NN against IN this DT problem NN was VBD supposedly RB taken VVN during IN the DT Clinton NP administration NN but CC the DT dramatic JJ action NN in IN question NN was VBD to TO extend VV the DT free JJ pass NN to TO the DT year NN 2009 CD , , when WRB SUVs NP finally RB , , at IN least JJS in IN theory NN , , must MD meet VV anti JJ pollution NN standards NNS . SENT All PDT the DT decent JJ people NNS who WP buy VVP SUVs NP in IN the DT conviction NN that IN they PP are VBP safe JJ or CC chic JJ should MD recognize VV that IN their PP$ vehicles NNS are VBP pollution NN spewing VVG hogs NNS . SENT Regular JJ cars NNS , , for IN which WDT antipollution NN controls NNS are VBP extremely RB strict JJ , , get VV cleaner JJR every DT year NN , , so RB much RB so IN that DT smog NN should MD be VB declining VVG rapidly RB in IN most JJS cities NNS . SENT But CC smog NN decline NN has VHZ slowed VVN in IN the DT last JJ decade NN , , and CC the DT reason NN is VBZ the DT SUV NP . SENT The DT Washington NP , , D NP . SENT C SYM . SENT metropolitan JJ area NN , , for IN example NN , , was VBD expected VVN ten CD years NNS ago RB to TO be VB off IN the DT EPA NP smog NN problem NN list NN by IN now RB because IN the DT trend NN in IN pollution NN from IN regular JJ cars NNS was VBD sharply RB down RB . SENT but CC so RB many JJ smog NN emitting VVG SUVs NP have VHP invaded VVD the DT area NN , , bringing VVG their PP$ anti JJ pollution NN exemptions NNS with IN them PP , , that IN in IN the DT last JJ few JJ years NNS the DT quality NN of IN local JJ air NN has VHZ actually RB declined VVN . SENT This DT decline NN is VBZ not RB because IN it PP is VBZ impossible JJ to TO build VV a DT clean JJ running VVG engine NN that WDT delivers VVZ enough JJ power NN for IN a DT large JJ vehicle NN . 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SENT and CC Congress NP , , which WDT is VBZ in IN Detroit's NP pocket NN , , keeps VVZ putting VVG off RP the DT day NN when WRB the DT requirement NN will MD kick VV in IN . SENT To TO strengthen VV its PP$ argument NN that IN the DT first JJ SUV NP versions NNS of IN Jeeps NNS were VBD really RB trucks NNS even RB though IN the DT company NN was VBD loading VVG them PP with IN luxury NN features NNS for IN marketing NN as IN personal JJ cars NNS American NP Motors NPS pointed VVD to TO the DT Jeep's NP truck NN like IN undercarriage NN and CC to TO its PP$ purported JJ ability NN to TO operate VV off RP road NN . SENT Eventually RB a DT federal JJ bureaucrat NN decreed VVN that IN an DT SUV NP with IN air NN conditioning NN , , leather NN seats NNS , , and CC other JJ suburban JJ amenities NNS becomes VVZ a DT truck NN if IN it PP is VBZ capable JJ of IN off JJ highway NN operation NN . SENT The DT test NN of IN this DT , , in IN turn NN , , became VVD whether IN the DT vehicle NN is VBZ tall JJ enough RB to TO provide VV ground NN clearance NN . SENT So IN Detroit NP made VVD the DT early JJ SUVs NP very RB tall JJ , , to TO be VB assured VVN of IN the DT pollution NN control NN exemption NN . SENT Height NN makes VVZ SUVs NP hostile JJ looking VVG , , causes VVZ their PP$ headlights NNS to TO dazzle VV oncoming JJ drivers NNS , , makes VVZ them PP block VV other JJ drivers NNS view VVP of IN the DT road NN , , and CC renders VVZ them PP more RBR likely JJ to TO roll VV over RP . SENT But CC it PP assures VVZ the DT exemption NN , , which WDT was VBD all RB that IN mattered VVN . SENT In IN the DT 1970 CD s PP , , as IN the DT rules NNS of IN the DT Clean NP Air NP Act NP took VVD force NN , , federal JJ mileage NN standards NNS also RB went VVD into IN effect NN . SENT An DT asterisk NN in IN the DT rules NNS specified VVN that IN they PP did VVD not RB apply VV to TO vehicles NNS in IN excess NN of IN 6 CD , , 000 CD pounds NNS gross JJ weight NN vehicle NN weight NN plus CC maximum JJ load NN . SENT This DT asterisk NN was VBD intended VVN to TO keep VV the DT miles NNS per IN gallon NN MPG NN rules NNS for IN regular JJ cars NNS from IN affecting VVG real JJ trucks NNS , , since IN at IN the DT time NN there EX were VBD no DT ordinary JJ vehicles NNS with IN a DT gross JJ weight NN in IN excess NN of IN 6 CD , , 000 CD pounds NNS . SENT But CC early JJ SUV NP manufacturers NNS realized VVD that IN if IN they PP beefed VVD up RP the DT suspensions NNS of IN their PP$ products NNS to TO reach VV the DT 6 CD , , 000 CD pound NN mark NN , , they PP could MD evade VV mileage NN restrictions NNS . SENT So IN Detroit NP deliberately RB made VVD SUVs NP heavier JJR and CC more RBR wasteful JJ . SENT The DT rules NNS , , you PP see VVP , , had VHD been VBN set VVN up RP to TO reward VV waste NN . SENT By IN the DT 1990 CD s PP , , a DT federal JJ fleet NN standard NN the DT average NN of IN all DT new JJ models NNS sold VVN by IN a DT manufacturer NN of IN 20 CD . SENT 7 CD miles NNS per IN gallon NN would MD be VB established VVN for IN SUVs NP , , versus CC the DT federal JJ standard NN of IN 27 CD . SENT 5 CD miles NNS per IN gallon NN for IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT But CC though IN cars NNS as IN a DT group NN actually RB meet VV the DT federal JJ mileage NN requirement NN , , the DT SUV NP standard NN remains VVZ shot NN through IN with IN loopholes NNS . SENT Manufacturers NNS get VVP exemptions NNS if IN they PP declare VVP SUVs NP dual JJ fuel NN , , or CC capable JJ of IN running VVG on IN ethanol NN . 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SENT The DT Chevy NP Avalanche NN gets VVZ 13 CD miles NNS per IN gallon NN in IN the DT city NN and CC scores NNS 0 CD on IN a DT scale NN of IN 10 CD . SENT The DT Cadillac NP Escalade NN gets VVZ 12 CD miles NNS per IN gallon NN and CC hits VVZ 0 CD on IN a DT scale NN of IN 10 CD . SENT The DT Chevy NP Tahoe NP owned VVD by IN Leonardo NP DiCaprio NP , , who WP demands VVZ that DT everyone NN else RB sacrifice VV to TO prevent VV an DT artificial JJ greenhouse NN effect NN gets VVZ 14 CD miles NNS per IN gallon NN and CC 0 CD on IN a DT scale NN of IN 10 CD for IN environmental JJ responsibility NN . SENT And CC in IN actual JJ use NN drivers NNS will MD be VB lucky JJ to TO realize VV even RB these DT pathetically RB low JJ figures NNS . SENT Low JJ mileage NN in IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS is VBZ not RB dictated VVN by IN the DT laws NNS of IN nature NN any DT more JJR than IN pollution NN spewing VVG is VBZ . SENT Automotive JJ engineers NNS , , including VVG those DT in IN Detroit NP , , have VHP accomplished VVN wonders NNS with IN MPG NN improvement NN . SENT Full JJ sized VVD cars NNS such JJ as IN the DT Ford NP Crown NP Victoria NP and CC Chevy NP Impala NNS now RB do VVP well RB on IN an DT MPG NN basis NN . SENT The DT new JJ Impala NN records VVZ 32 CD MPG NN on IN the DT highway NN , , a DT number NN that IN Toyota NP and CC Datsun NP buyers NNS would MD have VH envied VVN in IN the DT 1970 CD s PP . SENT The DT large JJ Buick NP Park NP Avenue NP gets VVZ 20 CD miles NNS per IN gallon NN in IN the DT city NN and CC earns VVZ a DT 7 CD on IN the DT environmental JJ scale NN of IN 10 CD . SENT Detroit NP knows VVZ perfectly RB well RB how WRB to TO build VV fuel NN efficient JJ , , low JJ polluting VVG large JJ vehicles NNS . SENT Large JJ cars NNS now RB do VVP well RB on IN fuel NN efficiency NN because IN the DT MPG NN rules NNS for IN regular JJ cars NNS are VBP actually RB enforced VVN , , compelling JJ Detroit NP to TO comply VV . SENT But CC Congress NP has VHZ repeatedly RB granted VVN special JJ waivers NNS for IN SUVs NP . SENT in IN 1990 CD , , in IN a DT showdown NN during IN which WDT a DT Senate NP filibuster NN was VBD used VVN to TO block VV progress NN , , and CC again RB in IN 2002 CD , , when WRB a DT bill NN to TO improve VV SUV NP and CC pickup NN mileage NN drew VVD only RB 38 CD votes NNS in IN the DT Senate NP . SENT Even RB many JJ Democrats NNS voted VVD nay RB . SENT Just RB before IN Christmas NP , , President NP George NP W NP . SENT Bush NP announced VVD that IN SUV NP and CC light JJ pickup NN fuel NN efficiency NN standards NNS would MD rise VV about IN 10 CD percent NN , , to TO an DT official JJ fleet NN average NN of IN 22 CD . SENT 2 CD MPG NN , , by IN the DT model NN year NN 2007 CD . SENT Ten CD percent NN improvement NN is VBZ preferable JJ to TO inaction NN , , but CC it PP is VBZ far RB less JJR than IN the DT SUV NP fuel NN efficiency NN gains NNS that IN the DT National NP Research NP Council NP recently RB told VVD the DT White NP House NP would MD be VB practical JJ using VVG current JJ technology NN . SENT Also RB , , the DT administration's NNS decision NN leaves VVZ the DT dual JJ fuel NN gimmick NN in IN place NN , , meaning VVG that IN many JJ SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS will MD simply RB evade VV the DT new JJ standard NN . SENT Why WRB such JJ resistance NN to TO improving VVG fuel NN efficiency NN for IN SUVs NP . SENT Since IN SUVs NP and CC light JJ pickups NNS are VBP now IN Detroit's NN most JJS profitable JJ products NNS owing VVG to TO their PP$ popularity NN , , they PP command VVP price NN premiums NNS and CC sell VV at IN considerable JJ mark NN ups NNS an DT unholy JJ alliance NN of IN conservatives NNS who WP oppose VVP federal JJ energy NN efficiency NN rules NNS and CC Democrats NNS from IN United NP Automobile NP Workers NPS UAW NP states NNS consistently RB blocks VVZ legislative JJ attempts NNS to TO do VV nothing NN more RBR radical JJ than IN require VV SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS to TO meet VV the DT same JJ standards NNS as IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT Detroit NP does VVZ need NN profit NN . SENT and CC , , as IN Bradsher NP writes VVZ , , SUV NP revenues NNS have VHP contributed VVN to TO the DT economic JJ revival NN of IN the DT upper JJ Midwest NN . SENT But CC SUVs NP would MD still RB be VB profitable JJ if IN they PP were VBD fuel NN efficient JJ , , clean JJ , , and CC safe JJ . SENT and CC all DT three CD of IN those DT qualities NNS are VBP technologically RB attainable JJ . SENT The DT only JJ vehicle NN type NN that WDT would MD be VB put VVN out RP of IN existence NN by IN meaningfully RB higher JJR mileage NN standards NNS would MD be VB the DT ultra JJ offensive JJ Excursion NN , , Tahoe NP , , and CC Hummer NP class NN of IN leviathan NN SUVs NP , , the DT existence NN of IN which WDT represents VVZ a DT classic JJ public JJ nuisance NN in IN legal JJ terms NNS anyway RB . SENT Freed VVN from IN meaningful JJ mileage NN regulation NN , , designers NNS of IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS have VHP concentrated VVN all DT engine NN technology NN advances NNS on IN power NN and CC acceleration NN . SENT The DT result NN is VBZ enormous JJ SUVs NP that WDT go VVP from IN 0 CD to TO 60 CD miles NNS per IN hour NN in IN 8 CD . SENT 5 CD seconds NNS , , which WDT is VBZ the DT rate NN at IN which WDT sleek JJ sports NNS cars NNS accelerated VVD a DT generation NN ago RB . SENT Despite IN cultural JJ nostalgia NN for IN the DT muscle NN cars NNS of IN the DT 1960 CD s PP , , all DT categories NNS of IN automobile NN are VBP now RB faster RBR than IN they PP used VVD to TO be VB . SENT average JJ acceleration NN has VHZ increased VVN about IN 10 CD percent NN per IN decade NN since IN 1970 CD , , and CC the DT added JJ speed NN is VBZ one CD reason NN that IN roads NNS grow VVP ever RB more RBR hectic JJ . SENT SUV NP drivers NNS certainly RB do VVP not RB need VV excessive JJ acceleration NN , , except IN to TO act VV anti NN socially RB . SENT Indeed RB , , excessive JJ acceleration NN imperils VVZ them PP , , because IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS are VBP hard JJ to TO control VV with IN the DT pedal VV against IN the DT floorboard NN , , and CC when WRB accelerating JJ they PP are VBP prone JJ to TO spinning VVG out RP as IN a DT consequence NN of IN too RB much JJ steering NN input NN . SENT Porsche NP is VBZ about RB to TO begin VV selling VVG a DT 450 CD horsepower NN SUV NP that WDT goes VVZ from IN 0 CD to TO 60 CD in IN 5 CD . SENT 6 CD seconds NNS , , which WDT is VBZ racetrack NN speed NN . SENT Between IN this DT absurd JJ degree NN of IN ultrahostile JJ acceleration NN and CC the DT poor JJ handling NN and CC compromised VVN safety NN inherent JJ to TO the DT SUV NP , , Porsche's NP product NN is VBZ a DT death NN sentence NN for IN the DT company's JJ customers NNS . SENT We PP can MD soon RB expect VV a DT reduction NN in IN the DT sort NN of IN people NNS who WP buy VVP a DT Porsche NP SUV NP . SENT Through IN the DT 1970 CD s PP and CC early RB 1980 CD s PP , , nascent JJ SUVs NP won VVD special JJ exemption NN after IN special JJ exemption NN . SENT Regulators NNS ruled VVD that IN SUV NP bumpers NNS did VVD not RB have VH to TO be VB as RB effective JJ as IN bumpers NNS on IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT Impact NN standards NNS for IN driver NN survival NN and CC passenger NN survival NN initially RB were VBD waived VVN , , though IN they PP have VHP since RB been VBN enforced VVN . SENT SUVs NNS and CC pickups NNS were VBD permitted VVN to TO have VH much RB poorer JJR brakes NNS than IN cars NNS meaning VVG longer JJR stopping NN distances NNS and CC less JJR durable JJ tires NNS . SENT Designers NNS were VBD not RB required VVN to TO lower VV the DT height NN of IN the DT headlights NNS on IN SUVs NP so IN that WDT they PP did VVD not RB blind JJ oncoming JJ drivers NNS . SENT automakers NNS complained VVD that IN lowered VVN headlights NNS prevented VVD these DT vehicles NNS from IN looking VVG menacing VVG , , and CC regulators NNS caved VVD . SENT SUV NP manufacturers NNS were VBD given VVN permission NN to TO use VV darkened VVN passenger NN windows NNS , , which WDT are VBP forbidden VVN on IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ no DT logic NN here RB that IN I PP can MD detect VV , , other JJ than IN that DT darkened VVN passenger NN windows NNS look VVP cinematically RB ominous JJ and CC SUV NP merchants NNS want VVP a DT monopoly NN on IN that DT look NN . SENT Darkened VVN windows NNS do VVP reduce VV the DT load NN on IN air NN conditioners NNS , , but CC if IN that WDT is VBZ good JJ , , why WRB can't JJ regular JJ cars NNS have VHP them PP . SENT And CC SUVs NP were VBD exempted VVN from IN stability NN rules NNS that WDT might MD have VH prevented VVN rollovers NNS . SENT Rather RB than IN making VVG SUVs NP stable NN , , manufacturers NNS were VBD required VVN only RB to TO place VV a DT sticker NN on IN the DT sun NN visor NN warning NN of IN the DT vehicle's JJ instability NN . SENT Perhaps RB most RBS important JJ from IN the DT marketing NN standpoint NN , , during IN a DT trade NN war NN with IN Japan NP in IN the DT late JJ 1970 CD s PP SUVs NP won VVD a DT special JJ import NN tariff NN of IN 25 CD percent NN against IN their PP$ competition NN . SENT This DT occurred VVD back RB when WRB Japan NP was VBD cleaning VVG Detroit's NP clock NN and CC the DT UAW NP was VBD worried VVN . SENT In IN 1980 CD , , as IN Ted NP Kennedy NP campaigned VVN to TO take VV the DT Democratic JJ presidential JJ nomination NN away RB from IN Jimmy NP Carter NP , , Douglas NP Fraser NP , , the DT head NN of IN the DT UAW NP , , played VVD the DT two CD off IN each DT other JJ to TO win VV a DT 25 CD percent NN tariff NN on IN imported JJ SUVs NP and CC most JJS imported VVN pickups NNS . SENT The DT tariff NN on IN pickups NNS exists VVZ to TO this DT day NN , , grandfathered VVN into IN World NP Trade NP Organization NP agreements NNS , , while IN the DT SUV NP tariff NN lasted VVD until IN two CD years NNS ago RB , , when WRB it PP was VBD removed VVN after IN Detroit NP achieved VVD market NN dominance NN in IN this DT category NN . SENT The DT many JJ exemptions NNS , , coupled VVN with IN import NN protection NN , , made VVD SUVs NP and CC light JJ pickups NNS categories NNS that IN Detroit NP became VVD extremely RB eager JJ to TO promote VV . SENT During IN the DT 1970 CD s PP and CC early RB 1980 CD s PP , , the DT one CD period NN when WRB small JJ cars NNS were VBD most RBS popular JJ with IN buyers NNS , , manufacturers NNS offered VVD SUVs NP as IN a DT way NN to TO stand VV out RP in IN the DT crowd NN . SENT The DT Chevrolet NP Blazer NP hit VVD the DT market NN in IN 1982 CD , , followed VVN by IN the DT Ford NP Bronco NP in IN 1983 CD . SENT Shortly RB afterward RB the DT OPEC NP price NN maintenance NN system NN collapsed VVD and CC the DT cost NN of IN gasoline NN declined VVD . SENT Older JJR people NNS started VVD buying VVG SUVs NP because IN they PP found VVD that IN the DT vehicle's NNS height NN made VVD it PP easier JJR to TO get VV in RP and CC out RP . SENT People NNS who WP wanted VVD to TO be VB different JJ or CC obstreperous JJ or CC macho JJ behind IN the DT wheel NN flocked VVD to TO SUVs NP . SENT People NNS who WP once RB bought VVD station NN wagons NNS switched VVD to TO SUVs NP as IN manufacturers NNS phased VVN out IN the DT wagon NN , , which WDT had VHD no DT import NN protection NN , , in IN favor NN of IN the DT sport NN ute NN . SENT Here RB and CC there RB SUVs NPS actually RB were VBD used VVN by IN outdoorsy JJ types NNS seeking VVG adventure NN . SENT But CC , , as IN Bradsher NP reports NNS , , the DT leading JJ customers NNS for IN SUVs NP to TO the DT surprise NN of IN auto NN marketers NNS were VBD affluent JJ suburbanites NNS who WP had VHD no DT intention NN of IN driving VVG anywhere RB other JJ than IN freeways NNS and CC mall NN parking NN lots NNS . SENT SUVs NNS sold VVD better JJR in IN cities NNS than IN in IN the DT countryside NN . SENT They PP sold VVD well RB in IN New NP York NP City NP , , Boston NP , , and CC Los NP Angeles NP . SENT By IN the DT end NN of IN the DT 1990 CD s PP , , Bradsher NP writes VVZ , , SUVs NP accounted VVD for IN a DT quarter NN of IN all DT new JJ vehicle NN registrations NNS in IN Manhattan NP , , compared VVN with IN a DT little JJ under IN 17 CD percent NN nationwide JJ . SENT Clearly RB not RB envisioning VVG weekends NNS of IN backcountry NN camping NN , , buyers NNS began VVD loading VVG up RP SUVs NP with IN every DT possible JJ creature NN comfort NN , , so RB much RB so RB that IN factories NNS essentially RB stopped VVD producing VVG the DT basic JJ versions NNS you PP would MD expect VV to TO encounter VV on IN rugged JJ trails NNS . SENT And CC so RB Americans NNS fell VVD in IN love NN with IN SUVs NP , , pretending VVG that IN the DT only JJ reason NN for IN this DT infatuation NN was VBD their PP$ erroneous JJ belief NN that IN riding VVG in IN an DT SUV NP keeps VVZ you PP safe JJ . SENT III NP . SENT For IN the DT purposes NNS of IN securing VVG regulatory JJ advantage NN , , the DT manufacturers NNS of IN SUVs NP falsely RB claim VVP that IN their PP$ products NNS are VBP trucks NNS , , but CC there EX is VBZ one CD sense NN in IN which WDT they PP really RB are VBP trucks NNS . SENT most JJS SUVs NP have VHP been VBN built VVN on IN truck NN underbodies NNS . SENT Early JJ models NNS such JJ as IN the DT Bronco NP and CC the DT Blazer NP had VHD tall JJ passenger NN compartments NNS bolted VVN to TO pickup NN truck NN frames NNS . SENT Bolting VVG SUV NP bodies NNS onto IN truck NN frames NNS saved VVN Detroit NP research NN and CC development NN money NN , , and CC stiff JJ , , heavy JJ truck NN frames NNS are VBP indeed RB what WP you PP would MD want VV if IN you PP were VBD actually RB taking VVG your PP$ SUV NP off JJ road NN . SENT But CC since IN almost RB all DT buyers NNS use VVP SUVs NP the DT way NN they PP would MD use VV a DT car NN only RB 1 CD percent NN of IN SUVs NP are VBP ever RB driven VVN offroad NN , , Bradsher NP notes VVZ the DT truck NN undercarriage NN was VBD the DT beginning NN of IN a DT safety NN nightmare NN . SENT Vehicles NNS on IN truck NN frames NNS do VVP not RB handle VV well RB , , owing VVG to TO details NNS of IN suspension NN and CC frame NN properties NNS . SENT Experienced JJ truck NN drivers NNS know VVP this DT , , and CC generally RB they PP drive VVP their PP$ trucks NNS conservatively RB . SENT But CC SUVs NP and CC light JJ pickups NNS are VBP marketed VVN to TO suburbanites NNS who WP drive VVP them PP like IN cars NNS , , careening VVG around IN corners NNS . SENT When WRB driven VVN in IN this DT manner NN , , truck NN based VVN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS are VBP prone JJ to TO flip VV over RP . SENT Moreover RB , , truck NN frame NN construction NN deprives VVZ a DT vehicle's JJ occupants NNS of IN protection NN . SENT Almost RB all DT regular JJ cars NNS now RB have VHP a DT unibody NN design NN , , in IN which WDT the DT driver NN and CC the DT passengers NNS sit VVP protected VVN by IN a DT single JJ unit NN metal NN enclosure NN that WDT bends VVZ but CC does VVZ not RB break VV , , except IN in IN the DT worst JJS crashes NNS . SENT The DT body NN on IN frame NN construction NN used VVN in IN SUVs NP , , by IN contrast NN , , bends VVZ poorly RB . SENT when WRB something NN slams VVZ into IN an DT SUV NP , , the DT body NN and CC the DT frame NN may MD separate VV , , exposing VVG the DT vehicle's JJ occupants NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ the DT primary JJ reason NN that IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS can MD be VB enormous JJ and CC surround VVP you PP with IN hard JJ , , heavy JJ alloy NN , , yet RB are VBP not RB necessarily RB any DT safer JJR . SENT In IN federal JJ crashworthiness NN tests NNS , , SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS have VHP consistently RB done VVN worse JJR than IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT The DT 1997 CD Chevy NP Blazer NP , , General NP Motors NPS Jimmy NP , , and CC Oldsmobile NP Bravada NP all RB earned VVD one CD star NN in IN such JJ tests NNS , , which WDT means VVZ that IN they PP are VBP death NN traps NNS . SENT regular JJ cars NNS rarely RB get VVP less JJR than IN three CD stars NNS . SENT Air NP bags NNS have VHP since RB improved VVD most JJS SUVs NP crash NN ratings NNS . SENT and CC the DT first JJ SUV NP with IN a DT car NN like IN undercarriage NN , , the DT new JJ version NN of IN the DT Ford NP Explorer NN , , recently RB did VVD well RB in IN crash NN testing NN . SENT Insurance NN company NN data NNS , , Bradsher NP writes VVZ , , show VVP that IN SUVs NP and CC light JJ pickups NNS have VHP much RB higher JJR loss NN rates NNS than IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT That IN SUV NP owners NNS generally RB do VVP not RB pay VV higher JJR insurance NN premiums NNS is VBZ a DT perverse JJ consequence NN of IN 1970 CD s PP era NN laws NNS that IN discouraged JJ insurers NNS from IN linking VVG auto NN premiums NNS to TO vehicle NN weights NNS . SENT Those DT laws NNS were VBD enacted VVN when WRB the DT well NN off RB had VHD glistening VVG new JJ small JJ cars NNS and CC the DT poor NN had VHD old JJ land NN yachts NNS . SENT in IN the DT era NN of IN the DT SUV NP , , they PP represent VVP a DT subsidy NN from IN the DT poor JJ to TO the DT well RB off JJ . SENT Buyers NNS of IN luxury NN SUVs NP may MD also RB get VV tax NN breaks NNS denied VVD to TO buyers NNS of IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT As IN the DT Detroit NP News NP recently RB reported VVD , , the DT Internal NP Revenue NP Service NP has VHZ been VBN allowing VVG affluent JJ business NN owners NNS who WP buy VVP SUVs NP and CC classify VV them PP as IN business NN trucks NNS even RB if IN they PP are VBP actually RB burlwood NN trimmed VVN Cadillacs NP for IN personal JJ use NN to TO knock VV as RB much RB as IN 25 CD , , 000 CD off IN their PP$ taxes NNS through IN a DT special JJ depreciation NN . SENT The DT special JJ tax NN break NN only RB applies VVZ if IN the DT SUV NP weighs VVZ more JJR than IN 6 CD , , 000 CD pounds NNS , , which WDT represents VVZ still RB another DT reward NN for IN waste NN . SENT The DT most RBS recent JJ comprehensive JJ study NN of IN SUV NP performance NN and CC safety NN , , published VVN last JJ July NP by IN the DT National NP Research NP Council NP NRC NP , , an DT affiliate NN of IN the DT National NP Academy NP of IN Sciences NPS , , found VVN that IN occupant NN deaths NNS were VBD slightly RB higher JJR in IN SUVs NP as IN a DT class NN than IN in IN cars NNS as IN a DT class NN . SENT That's NNS right RB . SENT in IN an DT accident NN , , you PP and CC your PP$ family NN are VBP more RBR likely JJ to TO die VV if IN you PP are VBP riding VVG in IN an DT SUV NP rather RB than IN in IN a DT car NN . SENT During IN last JJ year's NNS Senate NP debate NN on IN blocking VVG SUV NP mileage NN standards NNS , , Senator NP Barbara NP Mikulski NP of IN Maryland NP a DT state NN with IN SUV NP component NN plants NNS declared VVD that DT women NNS love VVP their PP$ SUVs NP . SENT . SENT . SENT because IN of IN their PP$ safety NN . SENT This DT is VBZ political JJ feminism NN degraded VVN into IN a DT sales NNS pitch VVP for IN bad JJ cars NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ no RB gainsaying VVG that IN women NNS , , and CC others NNS , , feel VVP secure JJ in IN SUVs NP , , but CC the DT important JJ fact NN is VBZ that IN this DT feeling NN of IN security NN is VBZ an DT illusion NN . SENT The DT NRC NP study NN found VVD that IN large JJ cars NNS such JJ as IN the DT Buick NP Riviera NP and CC mid JJ size NN models NNS such JJ as IN the DT Toyota NP Camry NP are VBP notably RB safer JJR for IN the DT people NNS inside IN them PP than IN are VBP SUVs NP . SENT The DT study NN also RB found VVD that IN the DT most RBS dangerous JJ vehicles NNS for IN their PP$ occupants NNS are VBP compact JJ and CC sub VV compact JJ cars NNS econo NP boxes NNS such JJ as IN the DT Dodge NP Neon NN and CC other JJ small JJ vehicles NNS and CC , , at IN the DT other JJ end NN of IN the DT scale NN , , pickups NNS . SENT In IN this DT sense NN , , the DT study NN confirmed VVD the DT popular JJ belief NN that IN econo NP boxes NNS are VBP death NN traps NNS . SENT And CC so RB they PP are VBP . SENT do VVP not RB buy VV them PP and CC do VVP not RB let VV your PP$ children NNS ride VVP in IN them PP . SENT The DT study NN also RB confirmed VVD the DT popular JJ belief NN that IN large JJ cars NNS are VBP safer JJR than IN compacts NNS . SENT But CC safety NN design NN , , not RB tonnage NN , , is VBZ the DT significant JJ factor NN . SENT SUVs NNS weigh VVP far RB more JJR than IN full JJ size NN and CC mid JJ size NN cars NNS , , but CC the DT latter NN are VBP safer JJR for IN occupants NNS because IN they PP are VBP designed VVN in IN accordance NN with IN the DT strictest JJS safety NN standards NNS , , while IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS are VBP not RB . SENT Minivans NNS are VBP large JJ , , but CC do VVP well RB on IN safety NN ratings NNS . SENT their PP$ buyers NNS tend VVP to TO be VB safety NN conscious JJ because IN the DT vehicles NNS are VBP intended VVN to TO haul VV children NNS , , and CC so RB automakers NNS , , even RB in IN Detroit NP , , have VHP applied VVN to TO minivans NNS the DT safety NN design NN emphasis NN missing VVG from IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS . SENT The DT NRC's NP findings NNS have VHP been VBN relentlessly RB misrepresented VVD by IN Detroit's NP lobbyists NNS and CC by IN the DT White NP House NP , , which WDT seeks VVZ to TO justify VV inaction NN on IN SUV NP fuel NN waste NN at IN the DT same JJ time NN that IN it PP may MD ask VV American JJ soldiers NNS to TO die VV in IN Iraq NP in IN part NN for IN the DT politics NNS of IN oil NN . SENT Lobbyists NNS and CC administration NN officials NNS have VHP repeatedly RB stated VVN that IN the DT NRC NP study NN concluded VVD that IN if IN the DT MPG NN rules NNS for IN SUVs NP were VBD made VVN stricter JJR , , 2 CD , , 000 CD people NNS would MD die VV from IN weight NN reduction NN in IN future JJ SUV NP designs NNS . SENT Yet CC the DT NRC NP asserted VVD no DT inescapable JJ relationship NN between IN weight NN and CC occupant NN safety NN . SENT Pickup NN trucks NNS , , among IN the DT heaviest JJS of IN vehicles NNS , , are VBP also RB among IN the DT most RBS dangerous JJ to TO drive VV or CC to TO ride VV in IN . SENT What WP the DT NRC NP study NN really RB says VVZ is VBZ that DT imposition NN of IN the DT original JJ federal JJ fuel NN economy NN rules NNS caused VVD 2 CD , , 000 CD avoidable JJ deaths NNS between IN 1976 CD and CC 1993 CD because IN the DT rules NNS led VVN to TO people NNS buying VVG econo NP boxes NNS . SENT and CC the DT early JJ econo NP boxes NNS had VHD almost RB no DT safety NN engineering NN . SENT Today NN advanced VVD safety NN design NN allows VVZ hefty JJ cars NNS such JJ as IN the DT Impala NN to TO get VV excellent JJ mileage NN per IN gallon NN , , meaning VVG MPG NN rules NNS no RB longer RB force VV buyers NNS into IN econo NP boxes NNS , , which WDT I PP would MD be VB happy JJ to TO see VV taken VVN off IN the DT market NN on IN safety NN grounds NNS . SENT The DT NRC NP report NN is VBZ poorly RB written VVN , , and CC its PP$ density NN seems VVZ intended VVN to TO defy VV clear JJ understanding NN . SENT Yet CC the DT 2 CD , , 000 CD deaths NNS figure NN applies VVZ to TO the DT past NN , , not RB to TO the DT future NN , , and CC its PP$ constant JJ misuse NN by IN lobbyists NNS and CC White NP House NP officials NNS falls VVZ somewhere RB between IN misunderstanding NN and CC propaganda NN . SENT What WP did VVD the DT NRC NP actually RB conclude VVP about IN the DT safety NN implications NNS of IN future JJ mileage NN improvements NNS . SENT That IN mileage NN increases NNS could MD produce VV additional JJ road NN casualties NNS , , but CC only RB under IN federal JJ rules NNS as IN currently RB structured VVN and CC every DT specialist NN advocates VVZ better JJR rules NNS , , while IN there EX would MD likely RB be VB no DT additional JJ casualties NNS if IN stricter JJR standards NNS were VBD specifically RB targeted VVN at IN the DT largest JJS , , heaviest JJS SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS , , which WDT is VBZ exactly RB what WP reformers NNS propose VVP . SENT While IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS do VVP not RB keep VV their PP$ occupants NNS any DT safer JJR , , they PP cause VVP significant JJ and CC avoidable JJ peril NN to TO others NNS on IN the DT road NN . SENT No DT regulations NNS govern VVP the DT effect NN that IN vehicles NNS have VHP when IN they PP hit VVD other JJ vehicles NNS . SENT the DT rules NNS apply VVP only RB to TO people NNS on IN the DT inside NN . SENT In IN accidents NNS , , SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS are VBP Charon NP on IN wheels NNS . SENT Their PP$ weight NN imparts VVZ more JJR energy NN to TO the DT crash NN . SENT A DT frame NN that WDT breaks VVZ free JJ of IN an DT SUV NP during IN an DT accident NN becomes VVZ an DT iron NN guillotine NN aimed VVN at IN the DT other JJ car's NN passenger NN compartment NN . SENT In IN a DT front NN to TO front JJ crash NN , , the DT high JJ noses NNS of IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS tend VVP to TO ride VV up RP over IN the DT sloping JJ engine NN compartments NNS of IN regular JJ cars NNS , , resulting VVG in IN the DT SUV NP sitting VVG atop IN the DT car NN and CC crushing VVG its PP$ occupants NNS . SENT Some DT new JJ SUVs NP incorporate VV a DT bar NN designed VVN to TO reduce VV the DT odds NNS of IN riding VVG up RP and CC crushing VVG . SENT High NP and CC Mighty NP doesn't NP mention VV this DT , , but CC Detroit NP engineers NNS call VVP it PP the DT Bradsher NP Bar NP , , owing VVG to TO Bradsher's NP relentless JJ New NP York NP Times NP reporting VVG on IN this DT particular JJ risk NN . SENT Bradsher's NP terrific JJ book NN provides VVZ incredible JJ and CC ominous JJ detail NN on IN the DT risks NNS that IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS pose VVP to TO other JJ drivers NNS , , and CC the DT extent NN to TO which WDT automakers NNS knew VVD the DT dangers NNS and CC covered VVD them PP up RP . SENT He PP cites VVZ the DT best JJS estimates NNS of IN federal JJ regulators NNS that IN the DT height NN , , the DT weight NN , , and CC the DT design NN of IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS is VBZ causing VVG an DT avoidable JJ 2 CD , , 000 CD deaths NNS per IN year NN yes RB , , another DT 2 CD , , 000 CD estimate NN in IN cars NNS struck VVN by IN the DT Godzilla NP machines NNS . SENT Highway NN deaths NNS declined VVD through IN the DT 1980 CD s PP and CC early RB 1990 CD s PP , , even RB as IN more JJR people NNS drove VVD greater JJR distances NNS . SENT the DT decline NN flattened VVD out RP in IN the DT late JJ 1990 CD s PP , , though IN advanced JJ safety NN features NNS such JJ as IN anti JJ lock NN brakes NNS , , crumple NN zones NNS , , and CC air NN bags NNS were VBD becoming VVG common JJ , , while IN programs NNS to TO encourage VV shoulder NN harness NN use NN and CC to TO discourage VV drunk JJ driving NN were VBD notably RB successful JJ nationwide RB . SENT Why WRB did VVD the DT reduction NN in IN auto NN deaths NNS stop VVP while IN new JJ safety NN devices NNS came VVD into IN use NN and CC drunk JJ driving NN declined VVD . SENT The DT kill NN rate NN caused VVN by IN the DT presence NN of IN ever RB more JJR SUVs NP on IN the DT road NN was VBD swamping VVG all DT safety NN gains NNS . SENT Bradsher NP cites VVZ an DT engineering NN study NN . SENT When WRB a DT car NN strikes VVZ another DT car NN in IN the DT side NN , , the DT driver NN of IN the DT struck VVN car NN is VBZ 6 CD . SENT 6 CD times NNS as IN likely JJ to TO die VV as IN the DT driver NN of IN the DT striking JJ car NN . SENT But CC when WRB an DT SUV NP hits VVZ a DT car NN in IN the DT side NN , , the DT death NN ratio NN rises VVZ to TO 30 CD to TO 1 CD . SENT Bradsher NP adds VVZ that IN the DT kill NN rate NN for IN pickups NNS is VBZ worst JJS of IN all DT , , because IN pickups NNS are VBP more RBR likely JJ to TO be VB driven VVN by IN reckless JJ young JJ men NNS , , and CC because IN the DT bulk NN of IN pickups NNS on IN the DT road NN are VBP full JJ sized VVD models NNS while IN the DT bulk NN of IN SUVs NP on IN the DT road NN are VBP still RB midsized JJ . SENT A DT cynic JJ would MD say VV that IN SUV NP drivers NNS do VVP not RB care VV if IN they PP kill VVP others NNS in IN crashes NNS , , so RB long RB as IN they PP survive VVP themselves PP . SENT and CC surely RB some DT SUV NP buyers NNS believe VVP that IN they PP are VBP making VVG themselves PP safer JJR and CC do VVP not RB give VV a DT hoot NN if IN someone NN else RB suffers VVZ . SENT This DT viewpoint NN is VBZ very RB prevalent JJ . SENT Bradsher NP cites VVZ an DT SUV NP marketing NN specialist NN explaining VVG that DT part NN of IN the DT sell NN line NN is VBZ , , If IN there EX is VBZ a DT crash NN , , I PP want VVP the DT other JJ guy NN to TO die VV . SENT During IN last JJ winter's NNS Senate NP decision NN not RB to TO impose VV any DT new JJ mileage NN standards NNS on IN SUVs NP , , Senator NP Kit NP Bond NP of IN Missouri NP , , whose WP$ state NN is VBZ home NN to TO an DT SUV NP assembly NN plant NN , , declared VVD that DT government NN should MD not RB interfere VV with IN the DT people's NP right NN to TO choose VV SUVs NP and CC enormous JJ pickups NNS . SENT But CC since IN when WRB is VBZ there RB a DT right NN to TO imperil VV others NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ not RB like IN a DT First NP Amendment NP situation NN regarding VVG what WP you PP read VVP or CC think VVP or CC how WRB you PP worship NN , , or CC like IN a DT Fourth JJ Amendment NP situation NN regarding VVG what WP you PP do VVP within IN the DT walls NNS of IN your PP$ home NN . SENT Driving VVG an DT SUV NP or CC a DT light JJ pickup NN is VBZ a DT public JJ act NN that WDT creates VVZ avoidable JJ public JJ risk NN . SENT Suppose VVP I PP invented VVD a DT device NN say VVP , , a DT security NN system NN with IN an DT automated JJ arrow NN launcher NN that WDT would MD make VV homes NNS slightly RB safer JJR , , with IN the DT regrettable JJ side NN effect NN that IN it PP would MD occasionally RB malfunction VV and CC kill VV a DT passerby NN . SENT Would MD Senator NP Bond NP say VVP that IN his PP$ next JJ door NN neighbors NNS had VHD a DT right NN to TO install VV my PP$ invention NN and CC point VV it PP in IN his PP$ direction NN . SENT The DT Founding JJ Fathers NNS would MD shiver VV to TO hear VV politicians NNS assert VV a DT right NN to TO cause VV harm NN or CC to TO act VV irresponsibly RB in IN the DT public JJ sphere NN . SENT Since IN SUVs NP actually RB imperil VV their PP$ own JJ passengers NNS , , cynical JJ buyers NNS who WP believe VVP that IN they PP are VBP adding VVG to TO their PP$ own JJ safety NN by IN subtracting VVG from IN the DT safety NN of IN others NNS are VBP not RB getting VVG their PP$ money's NN worth NN . SENT Indeed RB , , considering VVG that IN most JJS SUVs NPS are VBP expensive JJ , , buyers NNS rarely RB get VVP their PP$ money's NNS worth JJ at IN all DT . SENT Buyers NNS surely RB assume VVP , , for IN example NN , , that WDT if IN SUVs NP have VHP leather NN seats NNS and CC eleven NN speaker NN Bose NP audio JJ systems NNS , , then RB they PP must MD also RB have VH good JJ brakes NNS . SENT Actually RB most JJS SUVs NP have VHP inferior JJ brake NN systems NNS with IN longer RB stopping VVG distances NNS than IN regular JJ cars NNS , , while IN many JJ lack NN independent JJ suspension NN , , a DT standard JJ car NN feature NN that WDT improves VVZ handling NN . SENT You PP have VHP read VVN that IN SUVs NP are VBP cash NN cows NNS for IN automakers NNS , , bringing VVG in IN much RB higher JJR profits NNS than IN most JJS regularcar NN products NNS . SENT Why WRB are VBP SUVs NP so RB profitable JJ . SENT Because IN they PP sell VVP at IN premium NN prices NNS while IN being VBG in IN many JJ respects NNS shoddy JJ merchandise NN . SENT A DT false JJ sense NN of IN safety NN once RB came VVD to TO buyers NNS of IN Ford NP Explorers NNS with IN Firestone NP tires NNS . SENT The DT notoriously RB lethal JJ crashes NNS of IN these DT vehicles NNS , , which WDT led VVD to TO the DT biggest JJS recall NN in IN auto NN history NN and CC to TO huge JJ monetary JJ losses NNS for IN Ford NP and CC BridgestoneFirestone NP , , were VBD ultimately RB traced VVN to TO defects NNS in IN the DT tires NNS , , as IN Explorers NNS with IN Goodyear NP tires NNS experienced VVD no DT unusual JJ problems NNS . SENT No DT unusual JJ problems NNS in IN this DT sense NN means VVZ that IN Explorers NNS with IN Goodyear NP tires NNS were VBD extra JJ dangerous JJ in IN the DT standard JJ way NN . SENT SUV NP occupants NNS have VHP long RB had VHD nearly RB double RB the DT death NN rate NN of IN car NN occupants NNS in IN tire NN related JJ crashes NNS , , Bradsher NP writes VVZ . SENT And CC drivers NNS contributed VVD to TO the DT problem NN . SENT Many JJ Explorer NN Firestone NP crashes NNS occurred VVD when WRB drivers NNS were VBD speeding VVG often RB driving VVG far RB above IN the DT speed NN limit NN and CC had VHD overloaded VVN vehicles NNS . SENT Bradsher's NP book NN amply RB documents VVZ what WP you PP might MD expect VV . SENT the DT dogged JJ attempts NNS by IN Ford NP and CC Firestone NP to TO deny VV the DT threat NN . SENT High NP and CC Mighty NP offers VVZ a DT funny JJ if IN it PP weren't NN sad JJ account NN of IN how WRB tire NN loading NN contributed VVD to TO the DT Explorer NN Firestone NP problem NN . SENT One CD of IN the DT many JJ practical JJ jokes NNS about IN SUVs NP is VBZ that DT as RB big JJ and CC imposing VVG as IN they PP appear VVP , , they PP cannot NN carry VVP much RB more JJR than IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT The DT maximum JJ safe JJ load NN for IN the DT pre NP 2002 CD Explorer NN was VBD 1 CD , , 300 CD pounds NNS , , the DT same JJ limit NN as IN for IN the DT mid JJ size NN Ford NP Taurus NP . SENT It PP is VBZ astonishing JJ how WRB engineers NNS have VHP managed VVN to TO throw VV metal NN at IN the DT SUV NP and CC yet RB have VHP come VVN up RP with IN vehicles NNS offering VVG few JJ advantages NNS in IN usable JJ size NN . SENT The DT insides NNS of IN many JJ SUVs NPS are VBP actually RB cramped JJ . SENT Try VV to TO wedge VV yourself PP into IN the DT backseat NN of IN the DT cost NN no RB object VVP four CD door NN Range NP Rover NP SUV NP and CC you PP will MD long RB for IN a DT regular JJ car NN . SENT In IN this DT golden JJ age NN of IN American JJ obesity NN , , four CD passengers NNS alone RB can MD come VV perilously RB close JJ to TO the DT 1 CD , , 300 CD pound NN maximum JJ safe JJ load NN . SENT Add VV lots NNS of IN stuff NN and CC your PP$ SUV NP is VBZ over IN its PP$ rated VVN weight NN , , which WDT adds VVZ to TO the DT risk NN of IN tire NN failure NN and CC loss NN of IN control NN . SENT Most JJS drivers NNS do VVP not RB even RB know VV that IN there EX is VBZ a DT safe JJ load NN limit NN that IN they PP are VBP not RB supposed VVN to TO exceed VV . SENT To TO prevent VV buyers NNS from IN realizing VVG how WRB readily RB the DT Explorer NN could MD be VB packed VVN over IN its PP$ safe JJ weight NN , , Bradsher NP writes VVZ , , Ford NP did VVD not RB list VV the DT safe JJ load NN anywhere RB on IN the DT vehicle NN or CC even RB in IN the DT owner's NNS manual JJ . SENT Instead RB the DT maximum JJ gross JJ weight NN vehicle NN and CC load NN combined VVN was VBD stamped VVN inside IN the DT doorjamb NN . SENT This DT number NN is VBZ completely RB useless JJ unless IN you PP know VVP what WP the DT SUV NP itself PP weighs VVZ . SENT Preposterously RB , , owner's NNS manuals NNS instructed VVD buyers NNS that IN they PP were VBD to TO find VV some DT way NN to TO weigh VV the DT vehicle NN , , then RB subtract VV that DT number NN from IN the DT gross JJ weight NN to TO determine VV safe JJ load NN . SENT Bradsher NP spent VVD a DT day NN in IN an DT Explorer NN driving VVG around IN trying VVG to TO find VV a DT truck NN scale NN that WDT would MD weigh VV his PP$ ride NN . SENT he PP is VBZ surely RB the DT only JJ person NN ever RB to TO have VH done VVN this DT . SENT The DT extent NN to TO which WDT Ford NP tried VVD to TO camouflage NN this DT basic JJ safety NN number NN was VBD stunning JJ . SENT In IN the DT aftermath NN of IN the DT Firestone NP tire NN debacle NN , , the DT company NN now RB prominently RB labels VVZ SUVs NP for IN safe JJ load NN , , but CC it PP remains VVZ true JJ that IN most JJS SUV NP buyers NNS have VHP no DT idea NN that IN safe JJ load NN limits VVZ even RB exist VV . SENT The DT notion NN that IN four CD wheel NN drive NN systems NNS make VV SUVs NP safer JJR than IN regular JJ cars NNS is VBZ yet RB another DT fallacy NN . SENT Front JJ wheel NN drive NN systems NNS are VBP clearly RB superior JJ to TO rear JJ wheel NN drive NN for IN traction NN , , because IN front JJ wheel NN drive NN places VVZ the DT drive NN wheels NNS under IN the DT vehicle's JJ primary JJ weight NN , , the DT engine NN , , which WDT is VBZ good JJ for IN stickiness NN . SENT All PDT that DT four CD wheel NN drive NN does VVZ is VBZ to TO add VV rear JJ wheel NN power NN to TO a DT front JJ wheel NN drive NN setup NN but CC it PP is VBZ the DT rear JJ wheels NNS that WDT are VBP likely JJ to TO spin VV in IN the DT first JJ place NN . SENT In IN off JJ road NN use NN , , four CD wheel NN drive NN is VBZ important JJ because IN there EX may MD be VB times NNS when WRB only RB one CD side NN of IN the DT vehicle NN touches NNS the DT surface NN , , or CC when WRB one CD side NN is VBZ on IN a DT hard JJ surface NN while IN the DT other JJ is VBZ on IN a DT soft JJ surface NN . SENT In IN highway NN driving VVG conditions NNS , , four CD wheel NN drive NN offers VVZ no DT advantages NNS over IN front JJ wheel NN drive NN . SENT And CC in IN all DT conditions NNS , , four CD wheel NN drive NN does VVZ not RB increase VV braking VVG power NN . SENT all DT vehicles NNS already RB have VHP brakes NNS on IN all DT four CD wheels NNS . SENT Indeed RB , , a DT front JJ wheel NN drive NN car NN with IN traction NN control NN , , which WDT regulates VVZ wheel NN spinout NN , , is VBZ likely JJ to TO hold VV the DT road NN in IN bad JJ weather NN better RBR than IN a DT four CD wheel NN drive NN SUV NP . SENT So RB what WP does VVZ four CD wheel NN drive NN add VV to TO SUVs NP . SENT In IN regular JJ use NN , , nothing NN but CC weight NN , , cost NN , , and CC lowered VVD fuel NN economy NN . SENT It PP also RB creates VVZ an DT artificial JJ sense NN of IN protection NN that WDT may MD cause VV SUV NP owners NNS to TO drive VV like IN maniacs NNS and CC find VV out RP the DT hard JJ way NN about IN four CD wheel NN drive NN . SENT Last JJ winter NN my PP$ wife NN and CC I PP had VHD to TO drive VV across IN the DT Cumberland NP Pass NP , , near IN the DT Maryland NP West NP Virginia NP border NN , , in IN a DT snowstorm NN . SENT The DT transit NN was VBD hard JJ and CC required JJ close JJ attention NN , , but CC the DT car NN , , a DT front JJ wheel NN drive NN Honda NP Accord NP built VVD in IN Ohio NP , , never RB skidded VVD . SENT We PP passed VVD perhaps RB two CD dozen NN vehicles NNS spun VVN out RP on IN the DT shoulders NNS along IN the DT expanse NN of IN the DT pass NN , , owners NNS standing VVG nearby RB swearing VVG and CC gesturing VVG as IN they PP shouted VVD into IN cell NN phones NNS . SENT Every DT one NN of IN the DT spun VVN out IN vehicles NNS was VBD an DT SUV NP . SENT Which WDT brings VVZ us PP to TO the DT rollover NN . SENT The DT primary JJ reason NN SUVs NPS are VBP more RBR dangerous JJ to TO ride VV in IN than IN cars NNS is VBZ that IN they PP are VBP far RB more RBR likely JJ to TO tumble VV in IN this DT way NN . SENT Roughly RB 1 CD , , 000 CD Americans NNS died VVD needlessly RB in IN rollovers NNS in IN 2000 CD because IN they PP were VBD in IN SUVs NP instead RB of IN cars NNS , , Bradsher NP writes VVZ , , summing VVG up RP a DT large JJ body NN of IN research NN . SENT Needless JJ SUV NP rollover NN deaths NNS are VBP likely JJ to TO increase VV , , owing VVG to TO the DT growing VVG use NN of IN SUVs NP . SENT Buyers NNS who WP choose VVP enormous JJ SUVs NP because IN the DT metal NN makes VVZ them PP feel VVP safe JJ are VBP surely RB thinking VVG that DT most JJS car NN crashes NNS are VBP head JJ to TO head VV collisions NNS , , in IN which WDT metal NN does VVZ favor VV those DT in IN SUVs NP . SENT Such JJ buyers NNS probably RB dismiss VVP the DT chance NN of IN a DT rollover NN as IN an DT extreme JJ rarity NN . SENT Yet RB fully RB one CD third NN of IN highway NN deaths NNS occur VVP in IN rollovers NNS . SENT If IN this DT were VBD more JJR widely RB known VVN , , surely RB people NNS would MD not RB be VB lining VVG up RP to TO purchase VV vehicles NNS that WDT are VBP likely JJ to TO roll VV over RP . SENT SUVs NNS roll VVP over RP because IN their PP$ center NN of IN gravity NN is VBZ much RB higher JJR than IN that DT of IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT and CC because IN their PP$ tires NNS are VBP often RB overloaded VVN . SENT and CC because IN truck NN like IN steering NN properties NNS make VVP them PP harder JJR to TO control VV than IN cars NNS for IN average JJ drivers NNS who WP lack VVP truck NN licenses NNS . SENT and CC because IN every DT time NN a DT passenger NN climbs VVZ into IN an DT SUV NP , , his PP$ or CC her PP$ own JJ body NN weight NN , , sitting VVG tall JJ off IN the DT road NN , , raises VVZ the DT center NN of IN gravity NN that IN much RB higher JJR . SENT Since IN the DT weight NN of IN passengers NNS and CC luggage NN raises VVZ the DT SUV's NP center NN of IN gravity NN , , a DT vehicle NN that WDT is VBZ packed VVN with IN people NNS is VBZ more RBR likely JJ to TO roll VV over RP than IN a DT vehicle NN containing VVG only RB a DT driver NN , , making VVG everything NN still RB worse JJR . SENT There EX is VBZ even RB an DT awful JJ SUV NP guardrail NN interaction NN . SENT Most JJS guardrails NNS have VHP a DT standard JJ height NN that WDT stops VVZ cars NNS well RB but CC just RB happens VVZ to TO be VB perfect JJ for IN making VVG runaway JJ SUVs NP flip VV over RP and CC crush VV their PP$ occupants NNS . SENT Half NN of IN SUV NP buyers NNS are VBP now RB women NNS , , and CC they PP tell VVP focus NN groups NNS that IN they PP are VBP attracted VVN to TO the DT feeling NN of IN sitting VVG high JJ off IN the DT road NN . SENT No DT one NN informs VVZ them PP that IN sitting VVG high JJ off IN the DT road NN makes VVZ them PP more RBR likely JJ to TO die VV . SENT Bradsher's NP book NN presents VVZ a DT depressing JJ chronicle NN of IN how WRB automakers NNS strove VVD to TO suppress VV information NN about IN SUV NP rollover NN deaths NNS and CC how WRB eagerly RB Congress NP cooperated VVD in IN the DT hush NN up RB . SENT Since IN the DT dawn NN of IN the DT SUV NP , , members NNS of IN Congress NP , , prominently RB including VVG John NP Dingell NP of IN Michigan NP , , have VHP pressed VVN the DT National NP Highway NP Traffic NP Safety NP Administration NP NHTSA NP not RB to TO test VV SUVs NP for IN rollover NN likelihood NN . SENT Another DT prominent JJ water NN carrier NN for IN the DT SUV NP is VBZ Representative NP Martin NP Frost NP of IN Texas NP , , Nancy NP Pelosi's NP recent JJ rival NN for IN the DT position NN of IN House NP minority NN leader NN . SENT Frost NP once RB favored VVD higher JJR mileage NN standards NNS for IN SUVs NP , , but CC instantly RB became VVD an DT apologist NN when WRB General NP Motors NP converted VVD a DT factory NN in IN his PP$ district NN to TO SUV NP production NN . SENT Only RB after IN the DT Explorer NN Firestone NP scandal NN did VVD Congress NP instruct VV NHTSA NP to TO investigate VV SUV NP rollovers NNS . SENT Since IN the DT scandal NN , , NHTSA NP has VHZ published VVN a DT largely RB meaningless JJ rollover NN rating NN calculated VVN solely RB from IN a DT vehicle's JJ wheelbase NN and CC height NN . SENT Beginning VVG this DT year NN , , NHTSA NP will MD perform VV actual JJ tests NNS to TO determine VV which WDT SUVs NN roll NN over IN and CC which WDT are VBP stable JJ . SENT Members NNS of IN Congress NP from IN SUV NP producing VVG states NNS opposed VVD the DT actual JJ conditions NNS tests NNS , , apparently RB worried VVN that IN voters NNS would MD find VV out RP what WP the DT real JJ risks NNS are VBP . SENT High NP and CC Mighty NP makes VVZ still RB another DT unsettling JJ point NN about IN the DT safety NN of IN SUVs NP . SENT So RB far RB SUVs NP have VHP been VBN only RB somewhat RB more RBR dangerous JJ than IN cars NNS , , Bradsher NP writes VVZ , , because IN they PP are VBP expensive JJ and CC tend VVP to TO be VB purchased VVN by IN well RB off IN people NNS between IN 30 CD and CC 50 CD years NNS old JJ , , a DT cohort NN with IN a DT below RB average JJ incident NN of IN causing VVG crashes NNS . SENT Soon RB , , as IN the DT first JJ generation NN of IN monster NN SUVs NP gets VVZ traded VVN in IN , , these DT behemoths NNS will MD begin VV entering VVG the DT used VVN car NN market NN , , where WRB they PP will MD be VB purchased VVN by IN immigrants NNS , , the DT lower JJR middle NN class NN , , and CC the DT poor JJ , , who WP generally RB speed VV , , run VV lights NNS , , drive NN drunk NN , , and CC crash VV more RBR often RB than IN the DT prosperous JJ classes NNS . SENT It PP is VBZ sad JJ but CC true JJ that IN the DT less JJR well RB off RB , , and CC especially RB immigrants NNS , , drive VVP more RBR recklessly RB than IN the DT well RB off JJ . SENT and CC the DT fines NNS , , the DT points NNS , , the DT raised VVN insurance NN rates NNS , , the DT revoked VVN licenses NNS , , and CC the DT greater JJR incidence NN of IN crashes NNS are VBP all DT reasons NNS that IN they PP tend VVP to TO stay VV less RBR well RB off RB . SENT At IN any DT rate NN , , this DT segment NN of IN the DT population NN is VBZ about RB to TO be VB armed VVN with IN three CD ton NN SUVs NP and CC enormous JJ pickups NNS . SENT Used VVN SUVs NPS will MD also RB end VV up RP in IN the DT hands NNS of IN teenage JJ males NNS , , who WP possess VVP the DT very RB worst JJS driving NN records NNS , , regardless RB of IN social JJ status NN . SENT The DT responsible JJ middle NN aged VVN people NNS who WP bought VVD the DT first JJ wave NN of IN SUVs NP , , Bradsher NP notes NNS , , mainly RB had VHD families NNS and CC did VVD most JJS of IN their PP$ driving NN in IN daylight NN , , when WRB crashes NNS happen VV less RBR . SENT But CC the DT teenagers NNS , , the DT immigrants NNS , , the DT rowdy JJ young JJ guys NNS , , and CC the DT others NNS who WP are VBP about RB to TO inherit VV the DT first JJ wave NN of IN SUVs NP drive NN at IN night NN , , when WRB accident NN rates NNS spike NN . SENT Today NN more JJR than IN half NN of IN the DT nation's NP SUVs NP are VBP less JJR than IN five CD years NNS old JJ , , meaning VVG that IN they PP are VBP in IN the DT hands NNS of IN their PP$ original JJ owners NNS . SENT Within IN a DT few JJ years NNS , , the DT majority NN of IN SUVs NP will MD be VB in IN the DT hands NNS of IN their PP$ second JJ or CC third JJ owners NNS who WP , , statistics NNS predict VVP , , will MD be VB more RBR prone JJ to TO driving VVG these DT monsters NNS carelessly RB . SENT IV NP . SENT They PP tend VVP to TO be VB people NNS who WP are VBP insecure JJ and CC vain JJ . SENT They PP are VBP frequently RB nervous JJ about IN their PP$ marriages NNS and CC uncomfortable JJ about IN parenthood NN . SENT They PP often RB lack VVP confidence NN in IN their PP$ driving VVG skills NNS . SENT Above IN all DT , , they PP are VBP apt JJ to TO be VB self NN centered VVD and CC self NN absorbed VVN , , with IN little JJ interest NN in IN their PP$ neighbors NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ Bradsher's NP summary NN of IN the DT auto NN industry's NNS own JJ marketing NN research NN about IN SUV NP buyers NNS , , and CC he PP adduces VVZ numerous JJ on IN the DT record JJ comments NNS from IN auto NN marketing NN gurus NNS to TO back VV this DT up RP . SENT One CD such JJ wise JJ man NN , , named VVD Clotaire NP Rapaille NP , , tells VVZ the DT Big NP Three CD that WDT people NNS buy VVP SUVs NP because IN they PP want VVP to TO look VV as IN menacing VVG as RB possible JJ . SENT It PP is VBZ perhaps RB not RB startling JJ that IN rather RB than IN trying VVG to TO alter VV these DT buyer NN proclivities NNS , , the DT manufacturers NNS of IN SUVs NP have VHP tried VVN to TO encourage VV them PP . SENT There EX are VBP lots NNS of IN self NN centered VVD and CC self NN absorbed VVD people NNS with IN little JJ interest NN in IN their PP$ neighbors NNS . SENT Somebody NN finally RB made VVD a DT class NN of IN vehicles NNS designed VVN to TO bring VV out RP the DT worst JJS in IN them PP . SENT Many JJ SUVs NP , , such JJ as IN the DT Durango NP , , have VHP been VBN consciously RB engineered VVN to TO look VV as IN threatening VVG as IN possible JJ , , with IN auto NN companies NNS using VVG focus NN groups NNS and CC other JJ techniques NNS documented VVN in IN High NP and CC Mighty NP to TO determine VV which WDT features NNS and CC styling NN cues NNS suggest VVP an DT anti JJ social JJ message NN and CC then RB zeroing VVG in IN on IN them PP . SENT The DT styling NN goal NN for IN the DT oversized JJ Dodge NP Ram NP mega JJ pickup NN was VBD a DT vehicle NN that WDT would MD make VV other JJ motorists NNS want VVP to TO get VV out RP of IN your PP$ way NN . SENT Cadillac NP markets VVZ the DT Escalade NN with IN photography NN staged VVD to TO make VV it PP appear VVP to TO be VB an DT armored JJ combat NN vehicle NN , , over IN the DT huge JJ type NN sell NN line NN Yield NN . SENT Bradsher NP asserts VVZ that IN Rapaille NP , , who WP will MD not RB drive VV an DT SUV NP himself PP owing VVG to TO the DT danger NN of IN rollover NN , , has VHZ been VBN an DT influential JJ force NN in IN encouraging VVG Detroit NP to TO make VV SUVs NP and CC light JJ pickups NNS heavier JJR and CC nastier JJR looking VVG , , arguing VVG that DT selfish JJ modern JJ buyers NNS think VVP they PP can MD cut VV off RP other JJ drivers NNS more RBR easily RB in IN wheels NNS that WDT seem VVP threatening VVG . SENT Certainly RB not RB all DT large JJ cars NNS are VBP marketed VVN with IN a DT hostile JJ message NN . SENT Minivans NNS , , which WDT though RB also RB large JJ are VBP far RB safer JJR , , more JJR fuel NN efficient JJ , , and CC lower RBR polluting VVG than IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS , , are VBP marketed VVN with IN an DT emphasis NN on IN positive JJ values NNS . SENT caring VVG for IN children NNS , , arriving VVG safely RB , , offering VVG rides NNS to TO the DT softball NN game NN . SENT SUVs NNS and CC pickups NNS are VBP sold VVN by IN appealing VVG to TO belligerence NN , , and CC what WP you PP promote VVP is VBZ often RB what WP you PP get VVP . SENT One CD hostility NN intensification NN feature NN is VBZ the DT grill NN guard NN that IN SUV NP manufacturers NNS promote VVP . SENT Grill NP guards NNS , , useful JJ mainly RB for IN pushing VVG oryx NNS out RP of IN the DT road NN in IN Namibia NP , , have VHP no DT application NN under IN normal JJ driving NN conditions NNS . SENT But CC they PP make VVP SUVs NP look VV angrier JJR , , especially RB when WRB viewed VVN through IN a DT rearview NN mirror NN . SENT The DT grotesque JJ new JJ General NP Motors NPS Hummer NP H NP 2 CD offers NNS a DT cage NN of IN steel NN in IN front NN of IN the DT grill NN for IN an DT additional JJ 525 CD . SENT Grill NP guards VVZ also RB increase VV the DT chance NN that IN an DT SUV NP will MD kill VV someone NN in IN an DT accident NN . SENT As RB with IN so RB many JJ other JJ aspects NNS of IN the DT SUV NP , , the DT addition NN of IN the DT grill NN guards NNS is VBZ unregulated JJ though IN standard JJ cars NNS , , for IN which WDT there EX are VBP strict JJ bumper NN rules NNS , , are VBP not RB supposed VVN to TO have VH metal NN grill NN guards NNS . SENT In IN addition NN to TO marketing NN hostility NN , , SUV NP manufacturers NNS assiduously RB promote VVP the DT fiction NN that IN the DT true JJ purpose NN of IN the DT SUV NP is VBZ a DT romantic JJ off JJ road NN adventure NN to TO the DT far RB reaches VVZ of IN nowhere RB . SENT Just RB as IN sports NNS car NN manufacturers NNS show VVP their PP$ products NNS boldly RB barreling VVG around IN the DT corners NNS of IN country NN roads NNS with IN no DT other JJ cars NNS anywhere RB in IN sight NN , , SUV NP ads NNS feature VVP these DT vehicles NNS climbing VVG pristine JJ hillsides NNS , , perching VVG atop IN natural JJ wonders NNS , , fording VVG rough JJ and CC beautiful JJ streams NNS , , or CC racing VVG through IN magnificent JJ canyons NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ never RB anybody NN or CC anything NN in IN the DT scene NN except IN the DT sovereign JJ SUV NP , , which WDT seems VVZ to TO have VH all DT of IN creation NN to TO itself PP . SENT Often RB the DT advertisements NNS are VBP computer NN generated VVD productions NNS in IN which WDT an DT SUV NP is VBZ digitally RB spliced VVN into IN a DT natural JJ scene NN because IN the DT vehicle NN is VBZ not RB in IN fact NN capable JJ of IN getting VVG to TO these DT farthest JJ reaches NNS of IN sublimity NN . SENT All DT automakers NNS are VBP guilty JJ of IN advancing VVG the DT fiction NN that IN SUVs NP are VBP intended VVN for IN offroad NN adventures NNS , , but CC nothing NN surpasses VVZ in IN romantic JJ deception NN Ford's NP No NP Boundaries NNS campaign NN for IN the DT company's JJ Explorer NN , , Expedition NN , , and CC Excursion NN SUVs NP , , in IN which WDT it PP is VBZ suggested VVN that IN these DT vehicles NNS are VBP used VVN primarily RB to TO support VV kayaking NN , , Himalayan NP ascents NNS , , and CC Peruvian JJ anthropology NN . SENT The DT earth NN crushing VVG Excursion NN weighs VVZ four CD tons NNS , , versus CC one CD and CC a DT half NN tons NNS for IN the DT typical JJ car NN . SENT Ford's NP website NN gives VVZ the DT length NN and CC height NN of IN the DT Excursion NN down RB to TO tenths NNS of IN an DT inch NN , , but CC says VVZ nothing NN about IN its PP$ weight NN . SENT The DT marketing NN of IN SUVs NP as IN if IN they PP had VHD something NN to TO do VV with IN the DT outdoors RB plainly RB appeals NNS to TO aging VVG boomers NNS who WP fancy JJ themselves PP adventurous JJ and CC free JJ spirited JJ while NN living VVG tame JJ suburban JJ lives NNS . SENT If IN the DT overwhelming JJ majority NN of IN traveling VVG boomers NNS never RB stray VVP far RB from IN their PP$ hotels NNS , , millions NNS still RB wish VVP to TO maintain VV the DT illusion NN that IN they PP might MD . SENT Bradsher NP reports VVZ that IN one CD of IN DaimlerChrysler's NP chief JJ SUV NP designers NNS convinced VVD the DT company NN that IN what WP counted VVD was VBD not RB how WRB SUVs NP were VBD actually RB used VVN but CC the DT fantasy NN of IN what WP the DT buyer NN might MD want VV to TO do VV during IN a DT vacation NN , , and CC the DT ability NN to TO show VV friends NNS and CC other JJ motorists NNS that IN they PP really RB were VBD the DT bold JJ people NNS they PP liked VVD to TO see VV themselves PP as RB . SENT That DT SUVs NP are VBP becoming VVG popular JJ with IN young JJ buyers NNS suggests VVZ that IN the DT daydream NN has VHZ multi NNS generational JJ appeal NN . SENT The DT outdoor JJ adventure NN illusion NN of IN SUVs NP makes VVZ these DT vehicles NNS worse JJR in IN a DT nefarious JJ way NN that WDT relates VVZ to TO their PP$ treatment NN in IN the DT media NNS . SENT High NP and CC Mighty NP includes VVZ an DT intriguing JJ discussion NN on IN the DT role NN of IN the DT press NN in IN auto NN sales NNS . SENT For IN consumer NN items NNS such JJ as IN soft JJ drinks NNS , , studies NNS show VVP that DT buyers NNS make VVP choices NNS based VVN 90 CD percent NN on IN advertising NN and CC promotion NN paid VVN media NNS , , in IN corporate JJ terms NNS and CC just RB 10 CD percent NN on IN what WP newspapers NNS and CC magazines NNS say VVP free JJ media NNS . SENT When WRB it PP comes VVZ to TO cars NNS , , by IN contrast NN , , people NNS tend VVP to TO read VV up RP . SENT studies NNS show VVP that IN only RB 20 CD percent NN of IN the DT buyer's NN decision NN is VBZ based VVN on IN promotion NN , , with IN the DT rest NN coming VVG from IN what WP buyers NNS read VVP and CC hear VVP from IN the DT free JJ media NNS . SENT It PP is VBZ reassuring VVG to TO learn VV that IN the DT power NN of IN the DT press NN still RB exists VVZ somewhere RB . SENT but CC when WRB it PP comes VVZ to TO SUVs NP , , this DT power NN is VBZ consistently RB misused VVD . SENT The DT automotive JJ writers NNS in IN newspapers NNS and CC the DT many JJ buff NN books NNS Car NP Driver NP , , Road NP Track NN , , and CC the DT rest NN tend VVP to TO review VV SUVs NP by IN focusing VVG on IN their PP$ offroad NN prowess NN . SENT Auto NN writers NNS drive VVP these DT machines NNS up IN hills NNS , , across IN boulders NNS , , and CC through IN deserts NNS , , and CC then RB analyze VV the DT fine JJ points NNS of IN four CD wheel NN drive NN performance NN . SENT Bradsher NP describes VVZ a DT hilarious JJ SUV NP introduction NN junket NN in IN which WDT writers NNS were VBD given VVN a DT succession NN of IN washed VVN and CC polished VVN new JJ Fords NNS to TO drive VV like IN lunatics NNS through IN a DT wilderness NN area NN , , while IN they PP were VBD followed VVN everywhere RB by IN chefs NNS , , wine NN stewards NNS , , and CC a DT huge JJ trailer NN that WDT contained VVD marble NN bathrooms NNS for IN the DT Ford NP executives NNS . SENT This DT form NN of IN rating NN is VBZ wildly RB irrelevant JJ to TO the DT actual JJ uses NNS of IN these DT vehicles NNS . SENT But CC in IN order NN to TO be VB assured VVN of IN good JJ off JJ road NN ratings NNS , , General NP Motors NP , , DaimlerChrysler NP , , and CC Ford NP beef NN up IN the DT suspensions NNS , , the DT frame NN rails NNS , , and CC the DT horsepower NN of IN their PP$ SUV NP models NNS , , rendering VVG them PP more RBR wasteful JJ and CC more RBR dangerous JJ in IN the DT conditions NNS under IN which WDT they PP are VBP actually RB used VVN . SENT Auto NN writers NNS and CC buff JJ books NNS rarely RB discuss VVP SUV NP safety NN or CC gas NN mileage NN , , not RB wanting VVG to TO upset VV advertising NN buyers NNS or CC alter VV their PP$ own JJ obsequious JJ , , handout NN based VVN relationship NN with IN Detroit NP . SENT The DT Washington NP Post NP recently RB offered VVD an DT instance NN beyond IN parody NN . SENT Its PP$ auto NN writer NN , , Warren NP Brown NP , , penned VVN a DT love NN poem NN to TO the DT new JJ General NP Motors NPS Hummer NP H NP 2 CD , , the DT most RBS offensive JJ SUV NP yet RB devised VVD . SENT Skipping VVG the DT fact NN that IN the DT Hummer NP is VBZ a DT leather NN lined VVD luxury NN toy NN heated JJ seats NNS , , nine CD Bose NP speakers NNS being VBG marketed VVN to TO affluent JJ suburbanites NNS , , Brown NP deliriously RB proclaimed VVD that IN the DT Hummer NP is VBZ what WP Jesus NP would MD drive VV . SENT Its PP$ size NN and CC its PP$ profligacy NN are VBP justified VVN , , Brown NP said VVD , , because RB if IN you PP are VBP a DT missionary NN like IN some DT of IN my PP$ friends NNS , , you PP could MD use VV a DT Hummer NP to TO bring VV loads NNS of IN food NN and CC medical JJ supplies NNS to TO the DT poor JJ . SENT But CC verily RB I PP tell VVP you PP that IN no DT car NN on IN the DT road NN will MD allow VV its PP$ driver NN to TO pass VV through IN the DT eye NN of IN a DT needle NN less RBR easily RB than IN a DT Hummer NP . SENT The DT SUV's NP combination NN of IN sociopathy NN and CC fantasy NN has VHZ reached VVN its PP$ preposterous JJ culmination NN in IN this DT vehicle NN , , which WDT is VBZ based VVN on IN the DT military JJ Humvee NP , , originally RB designed VVN to TO carry VV infantry NN and CC machine NN guns NNS . SENT The DT Hummer NP gets VVZ ten CD miles NNS per IN gallon NN , , meaning VVG that IN its PP$ annual JJ greenhouse NN gas NN emissions NNS triple RB those DT of IN a DT car NN , , and CC it PP weighs VVZ nearly RB three CD tons NNS . SENT Still RB another DT loophole NN . SENT if IN an DT SUV NP grows VVZ heavy JJ enough NN , , like IN the DT Hummer NP , , the DT manufacturer NN does VVZ not RB have VH to TO report VV its PP$ fuel NN mileage NN to TO the DT EPA NP . SENT Hummers NNS are VBP even RB longer JJR and CC higher JJR than IN standard JJ large JJ SUVs NP , , but CC Consumer NP Guide NP recently RB warned VVD of IN the DT vehicle's JJ limited JJ cargo NN room NN and CC cramped JJ seats NNS , , evidence NN of IN poor JJ design NN . SENT The DT mid JJ size NN Nissan NP Maxima NP , , which WDT weighs VVZ less JJR than IN half DT as RB much JJ as IN a DT Hummer NP , , has VHZ more JJR front NN legroom NN . SENT The DT Hummer NP cannot NN park NN without IN straddling VVG spaces NNS . SENT Its PP$ owner NN would MD be VB out RP of IN his PP$ or CC her PP$ mind NN to TO take VV this DT 52 CD , , 000 CD bauble NN off IN the DT interstate JJ , , though RB of IN course NN the DT advertising NN features VVZ the DT usual JJ postcard NN scenes NNS of IN the DT noble JJ outdoors RB . SENT In IN my PP$ favorite NN , , a DT Hummer NP is VBZ racing VVG across IN a DT glacier NN . SENT Do VVP I PP need VVP to TO tell VV you PP that IN Arnold NP Schwarzenegger NP persuaded VVD General NP Motors NP to TO offer VV the DT civilian JJ Hummer NP , , endorsed VVD it PP , , and CC purchased VVD the DT first JJ one CD . SENT The DT Hummer NP screams VVZ to TO the DT world NN the DT words NNS that WDT stand VVP as IN one CD of IN Schwarzenegger's NP signature NN achievements NNS as IN an DT actor NN . SENT Fuck VV you PP , , asshole NN . SENT Maybe RB this DT class NN of IN vehicles NNS should MD be VB called VVN FUVs NP . SENT V NN . SENT What WP does VVZ it PP say VVP about IN the DT United NP States NPS that IN there EX are VBP now RB millions NNS of IN people NNS who WP want VVP to TO drive VV an DT anti JJ social JJ automobile NN . SENT Huge JJ numbers NNS of IN Americans NPS will MD pay VV thousands NNS of IN dollars NNS extra JJ for IN vehicles NNS that WDT visually RB declare VVP , , I PP have VHP serious JJ psychological JJ problems NNS . SENT Though IN maybe RB we PP are VBP better RBR off IN having VHG this DT declared VVD . SENT The DT antagonistic JJ environment NN of IN the DT modern JJ road NN is VBZ linked VVN , , of IN course NN , , to TO the DT more RBR general JJ psychological JJ predicament NN usually RB called VVD stress NN . SENT We PP are VBP all RB stressed VVN for IN time NN or CC money NN or CC achievement NN or CC sex NN , , or CC at IN least JJS we PP all RB view VVP ourselves PP as IN being VBG thus RB stressed VVN . SENT and CC the DT road NN is VBZ experienced VVN as IN both CC an DT obstacle NN to TO the DT things NNS that IN we PP are VBP in IN such PDT a DT hurry NN to TO fail VV to TO get VV and CC an DT arena NN for IN the DT cathartic JJ release NN from IN this DT strain NN . SENT The DT road NN also RB has VHZ the DT advantage NN of IN anonymity NN . SENT Screaming VVG Fuck NN you PP , , asshole NN . SENT to TO a DT neighbor NN or CC a DT colleague NN might MD have VH costs NNS . SENT Screaming VVG it PP behind IN dark JJ glass NN in IN the DT fast JJ lane NN , , or CC symbolically RB as IN we PP roar NN up RP behind IN others NNS or CC cut VV them PP off RP , , is VBZ probably RB not RB therapeutically RB useful JJ my PP$ pop JJ psychology NN guess NN is VBZ that DT road NN rage NN makes VVZ the DT rager NP feel VVP worse JJR . SENT But CC the DT ethos NN of IN the DT modern JJ road NN , , especially RB the DT ever RB greater JJR number NN of IN SUVs NP and CC pickups NNS that WDT are VBP intended VVN by IN their PP$ designers NNS to TO instill VV hostility NN , , seems VVZ to TO encourage VV maniacal JJ driving NN and CC the DT pointless JJ taking NN of IN offense NN at IN the DT slightest JJS lack NN of IN deference NN on IN the DT part NN of IN other JJ drivers NNS . SENT On IN America's NP highways NNS , , calm JJ people NNS are VBP scorned VVN as IN losers NNS . SENT The DT nation's JJ self NN sabotaging VVG unofficial JJ moratorium NN on IN road NN building NN further RBR contributes VVZ to TO this DT culture NN of IN anger NN . SENT In IN the DT last JJ thirty CD years NNS , , vehicle NN miles NNS driven VVN on IN U NP . SENT S NP . SENT roads NNS have VHP increased VVN by IN 143 CD percent NN , , while IN road NN miles NNS have VHP risen VVN by IN a DT mere JJ five CD percent NN . SENT The DT number NN of IN miles NNS we PP drive VVP is VBZ a DT link NN to TO our PP$ greater JJR prosperity NN . SENT there EX are VBP now RB nearly RB as IN many JJ cars NNS in IN the DT United NP States NPS as IN there EX are VBP licensed JJ drivers NNS , , and CC almost RB everyone NN wants VVZ to TO drive VV alone RB , , which WDT we PP all RB find VVP unreasonable JJ on IN the DT part NN of IN the DT other JJ guy NN but CC divinely RB convenient JJ for IN ourselves PP . SENT Some DT of IN the DT miles NNS driven VVN figure NN is VBZ owed VVN to TO the DT combination NN of IN government NN policy NN and CC union NN intransigence NN that IN ruined VVN the DT railroads NNS as IN freight NN carriers NNS , , leading VVG to TO the DT truck NN deregulation NN that WDT spawned VVD the DT tens NNS of IN thousands NNS of IN sweatshops NNS of IN wheels NNS that WDT now RB obstruct VV highways NNS . SENT Next JJ time NN you PP are VBP wedged VVN between IN two CD tractor NN trailers NNS speeding VVG downhill RB in IN the DT rain NN , , bear NN in IN mind NN that IN most JJS of IN what WP they PP carry VVP used VVN to TO move VV on IN the DT now RB idle JJ rail NN lines NNS , , while IN highways NNS were VBD kept VVN free JJ for IN cars NNS and CC buses NNS . SENT Truck NN deregulation NN slightly RB holds VVZ down RP consumer NN prices NNS by IN slightly RB cutting VVG costs NNS for IN retailers NNS , , but CC it PP chokes VVZ traffic NN and CC it PP makes VVZ highway NN travel NN unpleasant JJ . SENT a DT sensible JJ union NN compromise NN to TO keep VV goods NNS , , and CC jobs NNS , , along IN the DT rails NNS would MD have VH made VVN far RB more JJR sense NN for IN society NN as IN a DT whole NN . SENT And CC if IN you PP don't VVD like IN the DT weaving VVG , , speeding VVG way NN that IN many JJ big JJ rigs NNS are VBP driven VVN today NN , , bear NN in IN mind NN that IN the DT Bush NP administration NN has VHZ proposed VVN that IN the DT minimum JJ age NN for IN a DT truck NN license NN be VB lowered VVN to TO eighteen CD , , in IN order NN to TO create VV even RB more RBR downward JJ pressure NN on IN drivers NNS wages NNS . SENT Rising VVG immigration NN is VBZ another DT factor NN in IN declining VVG road NN civility NN . SENT Today NN the DT United NP States NPS admits VVZ more JJR legal JJ immigrants NNS annually RB than IN all DT other JJ nations NNS in IN the DT world NN combined VVN , , and CC its PP$ percentage NN of IN foreign JJ born VVN citizens NNS is VBZ the DT highest JJS it PP has VHZ been VBN since IN the DT 1920 CD s PP . SENT Mainly RB this DT is VBZ a DT social JJ good NN . SENT but CC if IN you PP have VHP ever RB driven VVN in IN poor JJ nations NNS , , you PP know VVP that IN American JJ roads NNS are VBP models NNS of IN civic JJ decorum NN compared VVN with IN much RB of IN the DT rest NN of IN the DT world NN . SENT In IN developing VVG nations NNS , , traffic NN moves NNS willy NP nilly NN , , while IN people NNS ignore VVP lights NNS and CC veer VV blithely RB into IN congested VVN roads NNS . SENT Some DT immigrants NNS bring VVP such JJ habits NNS here RB , , and CC since IN state NN authorities NNS have VHP in IN effect NN decided VVN that IN a DT driver's JJ license NN should MD go VV to TO everyone NN over IN sixteen CD regardless RB of IN skill NN licenses NNS are VBP now RB handed VVN out RP for IN barely RB minimal JJ displays NNS of IN competency NN an DT international JJ bad JJ driver NN virus NN is VBZ loose JJ on IN America's NP roads NNS . SENT Consider VV the DT changing VVG sociology NN of IN the DT flashing VVG of IN high NN beams VVZ . SENT Traditionally RB in IN the DT United NP States NPS , , a DT quick JJ flash NN of IN high JJ beams NNS has VHZ meant VVN , , You PP go VVP first RB . SENT In IN much RB of IN the DT world NN especially RB in IN India NP and CC Pakistan NP , , the DT cradle NN of IN a DT large JJ fraction NN of IN recent JJ immigrants NNS flashed VVD high JJ beams NNS mean VVP , , I PP should MD rather RB that IN I PP and CC all PDT my PP$ family NN died VVD a DT gruesome JJ , , meaningless JJ death NN than IN yield NN to TO you PP . SENT People NNS in IN India NP and CC Pakistan NP flash VVP their PP$ high NN beams VVZ as IN a DT warning NN that IN they PP are VBP about RB to TO run VV a DT light NN or CC are VBP coming VVG the DT wrong JJ way NN down IN a DT one CD lane NN road NN . SENT Ten CD years NNS ago RB in IN the DT Washington NP area NN , , when WRB you PP flashed VVD your PP$ high NN beams VVZ at IN someone NN waiting VVG to TO make VV a DT left JJ turn NN , , the DT person NN would MD make VV the DT turn NN and CC give VV you PP a DT grateful JJ wave NN . SENT Now RB when WRB you PP do VVP this DT the DT other JJ driver NN does VVZ not RB budge VV , , assuming VVG the DT flash NN means VVZ that IN you PP are VBP accelerating VVG for IN the DT purpose NN of IN cutting VVG him PP off RP . SENT In IN some DT infuriating VVG way NN , , moreover RB , , the DT SUV NP and CC the DT cellular JJ phone NN are VBP evil JJ twins NNS . SENT Their PP$ proliferation NN has VHZ occurred VVN in IN tandem NN , , and CC the DT conjunction NN of IN cell NN phone NN use NN and CC road NN rage NN cannot NN be VB overlooked VVN . SENT The DT man NN or CC woman NN barreling VVG down RP the DT road NN in IN an DT SUV NP while IN yakking VVG into IN a DT cell NN phone NN is VBZ broadcasting VVG the DT public JJ service NN message NN Get VV out RP of IN my PP$ way NN , , because IN I PP am VBP paying VVG no DT attention NN to TO what WP I PP am VBP doing VVG . SENT Safety NN advances NNS such JJ as IN air NN bags NNS and CC anti JJ lock NN brakes NNS have VHP moderately RB backfired VVN in IN this DT regard NN , , as IN they PP engender VV a DT false JJ sense NN of IN security NN , , making VVG the DT cell NN phone NN SUV NP crowd NN think VVP it PP can MD barrel NN distractedly RB down RB the DT road NN without IN risk NN . SENT The DT driving VVG metaphor NN has VHZ long RB been VBN central JJ to TO American JJ culture NN . SENT It PP always RB entailed VVN a DT spiritual JJ aspect NN . SENT the DT hunger NN for IN autonomy NN , , the DT need NN for IN solitude NN , , the DT urge NN for IN power NN , , the DT problem NN of IN never RB finding VVG what WP you PP are VBP looking VVG for IN . SENT But CC in IN the DT era NN of IN the DT SUV NP , , the DT driving VVG metaphor NN has VHZ turned VVN simply RB nasty JJ , , a DT twisting NN of IN freedom NN into IN aggression NN and CC the DT unfettered JJ satisfaction NN of IN a DT technologically RB abetted VVN narcissism NN . SENT This DT has VHZ terrible JJ consequences NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ the DT waste NN of IN petroleum NN , , which WDT causes VVZ us PP to TO import VV too RB much JJ oil NN from IN the DT Persian NP Gulf NP and CC to TO remain VV dependent JJ on IN the DT despots NNS in IN Iraq NP and CC Saudi NP Arabia NP . SENT There EX are VBP runaway JJ greenhouse NN gases NNS , , which WDT may MD or CC may MD not RB cause VV harm NN but CC surely RB cannot NN be VB good JJ . SENT There EX is VBZ the DT transformation NN of IN commuting VVG and CC chore NN running VVG into IN a DT big JJ nerve NN wracking VVG unpleasantness NN , , while IN spoiling VVG the DT fun NN of IN driving VVG . SENT And CC there EX are VBP the DT needless JJ deaths NNS of IN our PP$ fellow JJ citizens NNS . SENT That DT last JJ result NN of IN the DT SUV NP craze NN is VBZ what WP should MD haunt VV us PP the DT most RBS . SENT But CC where WRB is VBZ the DT general JJ media NNS attention NN to TO High NP and CC Mighty NP , , which WDT ends VVZ with IN reasonable JJ prescriptions NNS for IN reform NN . SENT Only JJ auto NN writers NNS and CC the DT buff JJ press NN are VBP paying VVG heed NN , , and CC only RB to TO attack VV Bradsher's NP disclosures NNS for IN jeopardizing VVG their PP$ sweetheart NN relationship NN with IN Detroit NP . SENT Members NNS of IN Congress NP , , for IN their PP$ part NN , , have VHP so RB far RB responded VVD to TO this DT extraordinary JJ book NN as IN they PP have VHP responded VVN to TO the DT entire JJ issue NN . SENT by IN hiding VVG under IN their PP$ desks NNS . SENT On IN New NP Year's NP Day NP , , the DT incoming JJ Senate NP Majority NP Leader NP Bill NP Frist NP was VBD praised VVN for IN racing VVG to TO give VV emergency NN aid NN to TO victims NNS of IN a DT vehicle NN wreck NN in IN Florida NP . SENT Two CD children NNS died VVN despite IN his PP$ efforts NNS . SENT What WP was VBD largely RB overlooked VVN in IN the DT coverage NN of IN Frist's NP heroism NN was VBD the DT character NN of IN the DT crash NN . SENT A DT tire NN blew VVD on IN an DT SUV NP and CC the DT monstrosity NN flipped VVD , , ending VVG two CD young JJ lives NNS . SENT tire NN caused VVD fatalities NNS are VBP rare JJ among IN regular JJ cars NNS . SENT Will MD Frist NP become VV an DT advocate NN of IN SUV NP reform NN , , or CC will MD he PP return VV to TO Washington NP and CC join VV his PP$ colleagues NNS in IN the DT next JJ round NN of IN cover NN ups NNS and CC exemptions NNS . SENT Frist NP has VHZ now RB seen VVN with IN his PP$ own JJ eyes NNS the DT folly NN of IN government's NNS coddling VVG of IN the DT SUV NP . SENT the DT harm NN done VVN by IN leading VVG Americans NNS to TO believe VV that IN these DT vehicles NNS will MD protect VV people NNS . SENT In IN fact NN , , the DT doctor NN senator NN has VHZ now RB had VHN their PP$ blood NN on IN his PP$ hands NNS . SENT Read VV more RBR about IN this DT book NN Try VVP four CD weeks NNS of IN The DT New NP Republic NP Digital NP absolutely RB free JJ For IN nearly RB 90 CD years NNS , , The DT New NP Republic NP has VHZ provided VVN its PP$ readers NNS with IN an DT intelligent JJ and CC rigorous JJ examination NN of IN American JJ politics NNS , , foreign JJ policy NN , , and CC culture NN . SENT Today NN , , we're NN proud JJ to TO offer VV a DT faster JJR , , easier JJR , , and CC more RBR economical JJ way NN to TO enjoy VV the DT magazine NN TNR NP Digital NP . SENT Subscribe VV today NN and CC we'll NN give VVP you PP 4 CD weeks NNS absolutely RB free JJ . SENT That's NNS less JJR than IN 36 CD cents NNS week NN for IN every DT word NN of IN content NN available JJ in IN the DT print NN version NN , , a DT downloadable JJ replica NN of IN the DT print NN magazine NN , , and CC an DT array NN of IN special JJ online JJ only JJ features NNS . SENT Click NN here RB to TO sign VV up RP . SENT back RB to TO top VV Using VVG Powells NP . SENT com NN About IN Powell's NP Books NPS Newsletters NNS Souvenir NN Shop NP Partnership NP Program NN Calendar NN of IN Events NNS Send VVP a DT Powell's NP Card NN to TO a DT friend NN . SENT Accepted VVN at IN Powells NP . SENT com NN or CC any DT Powell's NP store NN location NN . SENT Home RB Browse VV Sections NNS Search NP Your PP$ Account NP Shopping NP Cart NP Shipping NP Log NN Off IN Help NN Copyright NP 1994 CD 2004 CD Powells NP . SENT com NN Terms NNS of IN Use NP