Report: SUVs Drive Differently
All vehicles have different driving and handling characteristics and must be driven differently. For example, driving a sports car is very different from driving an SUV. Even though you might think that's stating the obvious, many people don't realize it's true - especially new drivers. SUVs and passenger cars are created and engineered for different purposes and those differences should be acknowledged and respected. So, here are a few tips to make you a better SUV driver and help you enjoy your vehicle even more:
- The handling and maneuverability of SUVs is different - there is a warning about this on the driver-side sunvisor. Familiarize yourself with your SUV's performance by practicing in an empty parking lot to get the feel of the brakes, steering and overall handling.
- Avoid sudden or sharp steering changes. SUVs have higher centers of gravity so they can go off-road and a higher center of gravity means it's easier for SUVs to roll over. Give yourself more room to execute a passing maneuver and try not to pass in a curve since these bigger vehicles are taxed more in a curve. When purchasing an SUV especially, consider opting for Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Credible fleet and other studies found ESC to be very effective in preventing rollovers and other out-of-control situations.
- Always wear your safety belt. Government crash data show that lower safety belt use, speeding and alcohol use are common factors in more than 90 percent of all rollover fatalities. And 72 percent of those killed in rollover crashes were not wearing safety belts. SUV drivers and passengers should take extra care to buckle up.
- Learn to check your rear- and side-view mirrors frequently. Constant situational awareness is important to avoiding problems.
- Slow down, since most people (not just SUV drivers) drive too fast. Driving slower and more defensively gives you more time to react in an emergency situation. It's also less stressful.
- Your SUV handles differently depending on how it's loaded. Don't carry too much weight because overloaded vehicles are more likely to roll over. Cargo and extra passengers further raise the center of gravity. Slow down even more when the vehicle is heavily loaded.
- Know whether your SUV has anti-lock brakes (most new SUVs do). It if does, when making a quick stop stomp on the brake pedal, stay on it with firm pressure (don't pump them like you would in an older vehicle), and steer the vehicle where you want it to go.
- Many SUVs have four-wheel drive that provides more traction in mud, snow, ice or rain. That's a key reason many people buy SUVs. However, just because your vehicle is maneuvering better in inclement whether does not mean you will stop quicker than a passenger car. In fact, the larger and heavier your SUV the more distance it will take before you can stop so adjust your speed and distance between the vehicle in front of you accordingly.
- Even when the weather is fine, because you sit higher than other drivers and have a better view ahead, you may tend to follow other vehicles more closely. Again, heavier vehicles, like SUVs need more room to stop than cars.
- Consider other drivers. While you can see further ahead, those beside or behind you can't. And because they can't see through your windshield, they have less warning that you're going to stop. Be aware of all the vehicles around you in traffic and be courteous.
- Avoid developing a "road warrior" mentality. A bigger vehicle can give you false confidence that you're protected by your sheer size or by four-wheel dive traction. Overconfidence in your vehicle's abilities can lead to serious consequences and a bad image for SUV owners.
- SUVs, vans and pickup trucks, because of their larger size, have a "blind spot" within a few feet of the rear of the vehicle. For this reason, it is important to always check around the vehicle before you leave for small children or obstacles that you might not otherwise see from behind the wheel. Also, always turn your head and look before changing lanes, don't rely solely on mirrors.
