05/18/19 SAFER IN A SPORT-UTE? THINK AGAIN, BOOMERS

SAFER IN A SPORT-UTE? THINK AGAIN, BOOMERS

In ''Suddenly, boxy is beautiful'' (Personal Business, Apr. 27), boomers who buy large sport-utility vehicles are portrayed as caring about safety for themselves and their kids more than the rest of us. Actually, they're kidding themselves.
I had one and couldn't wait to get rid of it. Having driven all kinds of vehicles for over 40 years, I never felt safe in my SUV in the Northeast. On dry roads, it took far longer than a car to make a quick stop, and on wet pavement, it would often skid dangerously. Even at legal speeds, a sudden maneuver could tip it over, especially if a wheel hits a curb or rock. While four-wheel drive got me out of a snowbank once every few years, it was no help in stopping or driving in snow or ice. Yet, many SUV drivers act as if they're invincible.
In a collision with a car, the SUV might fare better, although the car might be better at avoiding the accident. But wouldn't boomers want their kids to be safe in a wide range of driving situations? And wouldn't they want to leave those kids a legacy of courtesy on the road (vs. intimidation) and air that is significantly less polluted?
Karen Cooper
Pound Ridge, N.Y.