4x4's and Other Big Trucks: a step too far
The 4x4 and other hulking are in my opinon are very bad methods of their local transportation due to their extensive emissions of greenhouse gases, the cost it takes to fill them up, and its largest size that can cover more than one lane at times. One day I went go to the supermarket to buy fruits and vegetables for a party. I had an experience with a 4x4 that almost killed me when I tried to cross a crosswalk and almost ran into me. I know that maybe my views of big cars might be a bit biased but even despite my experiences it still seems ridiculous to drive a car that is releasing emissions of greenhouse gases as global warming becomes more present in the world around us.
About a month ago I saw a documentary called "Chasing Ice" that documented the rapid glacier decay at the poles of the world. The footage in this video seemed almost unrealistic as within a few months an entire ice sheet spanning at least 10 miles could suddenly disappear. Sure the car you drive isn't the only cause of this global warming issue, but it does contribute to a significant degree when you put into account that there are multiple people driving these beasts of machines — then you begging to see the impact.
Besides the environmental controversy behind big cars and whither to drive them or not, I simply just don't see the reasons why people drive these machines. As a guy, I guess I understand the status and power it exudes to have a massive truck, but in my opinion these monster trucks don't seems to show as much status compared to an awesome motorbike or sports car. Sure, the jeep you by is big but does it really have as much status as a handmade, perfected Ferrari? Overall, for multiple reasons it seems at least in my opinion that these types of trucks are simply excessive and ineffective machines that try make the driver feel better about themselves by equalizing size rather than quality to power and status.
Chasing Ice website link : http://chasingice.com/
Comments
Not for everyone
Dear monotone4,
I find your topic to be rather biased. I realize that you are not a big fan of such vehicles, but you don’t understand the need for them. Looking at your side bar you go to a Catholic high school in Salt Lake City, not exactly the farming mecca of the world. Growing up in a southern farming community I saw a truck in every driveway I passed. Trucks are needed for that type of living.
Trucks are sometimes oversized and any type of car or truck can have a bad driver as you have experienced. I have been in two accidents in my life, both done by car drivers. My family has three vehicles, a Ford Focus, a Chevy Silverado, and a Chevy S10. The feeling of safety in the trucks is much greater to me than in my car. While you believe trucks to be just oversized show toys and all, we use our trucks to haul wood for my mom’s mental health clients that have wood heaters. We also use them the haul our campers and ATVs and bikes. Trucks are very useful.
My final problem with your post is about how a hand crafted Ferrari is better than a Jeep. Yes Ferraris are a joy to drive and an ultimate status symbol, but other than that it’s pretty useless. You can’t go grocery shopping in a Ferrari, take your dogs for a ride, cruise down the beach, haul your friends around, or take a camper to the mountains. You can easily do all those things in a Jeep or truck and many other things.
Thank you for writing as I liked how you were dedicated to your opinion, but remember that just because it may not have a use to you many other rely on these vehicles for daily life.