# Dear SUV driver: Not to put too fine a point on it ... **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 17, 2003, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301 "2003-01-17T20:52:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![Tony\_Montana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tony\_Montana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tony_Montana)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/281 "2003-01-31T02:46:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rubystreak \* > **Tony Montana: I never said you had an SUV.** > [@](#): > > Originally posted by Rubystreak > Tony Montana, if your flag sticker is all shiny and clean on your SUV, then clearly you are not going off-road with it, so why exactly do you need it, pray tell? Ohh thats gotta hurt… > [@](#): > > \*\* Reading comprehension? I SAID that you commented about the flag on your bumper never getting dirty, so you clearly weren’t taking your vehicle off-road.\*\* Mustang & off road dont mix… > [@](#): > > \*\* > And if that’s your idea of sarcasm,\*\* In reference to those who say :“if you dont take it off road,you dont need it so why have it” blah,blah,duh… > [@](#): > > well, I wash my hands of you. Your making me cry already ::snif::…😛 ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/282 "2003-01-31T06:39:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Doc Nickel \* > \*\*Some reason you think a car designer can’t visit the SDMB? > > \*\* You’d believe anything, Dickel. Including that 135 is a good bowling score. ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/283 "2003-01-31T06:41:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > \*\*Well, since I have a [better than average](http://www.komotv.com/weather/faq/seattle_rain.asp) chance (62 percent) of not being rained on in Seattle, I might not take a raincoat. It’d be awfully bulky to pack. Maybe a poncho. \*\* :smack: [sub]Gotta stop reading the Sauron posts.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/284 "2003-01-31T06:43:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by E-Sabbath \* > **I think I’m going to drag the guys to the alley this weekend** I hope you and the boys don’t make too much noise banging around the trash cans. ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/285 "2003-01-31T06:50:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by E-Sabbath \* > **I don’t know, Pucks. If it’s true, I’m a non-German, on the east coast, apparently doing design work for DaimlerChrysler.** If it’s true, DaimlerChrysler is hiring 14-year-old dickweeds. I find that difficult to believe – though it would explain a lot about SUV construction. (At any rate, you’re full of shit for saying “The Mercedes Vision GST. Alll mine.”) ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/286 "2003-01-31T06:57:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > **Let’s say that the police determine the area of highest crime in Puckytown to be four square blocks downtown. … > Now, it may be that every single person who lives in that area is a criminal. We don’t know that, but it’s possible. …** Let us say there are more criminals in Puckytown. If we say that everyone in Puckytown is a criminal, we’ve made an erroneous claim. If we say that a person from Puckytown is more likely to be a criminal, your statistics back us up. If we say every SUV driver is a fucknut, we’ve made an erroneous claim. If we say that an SUV driver is more likely to be a fucknut, we’re on solid ground. ---
**Author:** ![Doc\_Nickel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5fc32e/32.png) [@Doc\_Nickel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doc_Nickel)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/287 "2003-01-31T07:28:54Z")
Geez Pucks, “Dickel”? Not only did you throw that whole “Rule #1: Don’t be a Jerk” thing out the window (after trying to be so hoity-toity blowing smoke about the “false quoting” thing, no less) but “Dickel”? Last time I heard that the speaker had just gotten up from nappy-time. _Surely_ you can do better. And really, from an objective standpoint, you just posted **five** replies and said _absolutely nothing_ of any relevance. They’re all just “I know you are, but what am I?” You havin’ some personal problems you wanna talk about, Pucks? Trouble at home maybe? ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/288 "2003-01-31T14:12:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Pucky Schumer \* > Gotta stop reading the Sauron posts. Yeah, it’s gotta hurt to know that you’re being beaten at every level of this ‘debate.’ Incidentally, you might wanna be careful about that whole “stop reading” deal; that’s dangerously close to implying that I’m on your ‘ignore’ list. There’s rules on this message board, you know. > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Pucky Schumer_ > Let us say there are more criminals in Puckytown. > If we say that everyone in Puckytown is a criminal, we’ve made an erroneous claim. > If we say that a person from Puckytown is more likely to be a criminal, your statistics back us up. > > If we say every SUV driver is a fucknut, we’ve made an erroneous claim. > If we say that an SUV driver is more likely to be a fucknut, we’re on solid ground. Well, you’re getting the hang of it. Sort of. You must’ve looked up those terms, as I suggested. Congratulations! However, you’re still missing some of the finer points. Your whole premise (above) falls apart when the central linchpin is removed – namely, that there are more fucknuts among SUV drivers. If you can provide me a statistically valid breakdown that proves such a thing, I will cheerfully acknowledge that you are correct. Until then, you’re just spouting an idiotic opinion. And, finally, I’ll reiterate my questions: Did you actually see the accident you got so upset about in your OP occur? Can you say for certain it was caused by ‘fucknut’ or ‘asshat’ behavior on the part of the SUV driver? ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/289 "2003-01-31T16:52:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > \*\*And, finally, I’ll reiterate my questions: Did you actually see the accident you got so upset about in your OP occur? Can you say for certain it was caused by ‘fucknut’ or ‘asshat’ behavior on the part of the SUV driver? \*\* He won’t answer this. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/290 "2003-01-31T22:08:46Z")
It is unfair SUV drivers feel picked on. I extend my previous comments to all the terrorist huggers who drive trucks and mini-vans aggressively and tailgate me on the highway. If you’re driving a three ton piece of shite, you can’t stop quickly when I slam on the brakes in front of you. Overtake me if you want to go faster, dammit. ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2003, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/291 "2003-01-31T22:20:24Z")
You are exactly right, **Dr\_Paprika** (although the “terrorist huggers” rhetoric is a tad strong). Tailgating is irresponsible and dangerous driving, no matter who does it. If you’re tailgating someone, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to stop in time if someone in front of you slams on the brakes, regardless of the type of vehicle you’re driving. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2003, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/292 "2003-02-01T01:04:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Dr\_Paprika \* > \*\*It is unfair SUV drivers feel picked on. > > I extend my previous comments to all the terrorist huggers who drive trucks and mini-vans aggressively and tailgate me on the highway. > > If you’re driving a three ton piece of shite, you can’t stop quickly when I slam on the brakes in front of you. Overtake me if you want to go faster, dammit. \*\* I agree. No one likes a tailgater. If someone does it to me, I will give myself extra room in front, so I don’t have to ‘slam on the brakes’. Perhaps you are tailgating yourself? Also, why do you assume a large vehicle is a ‘piece of shite’? ---
**Author:** ![Tony\_Montana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tony\_Montana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tony_Montana)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2003, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/293 "2003-02-01T01:45:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Dr\_Paprika \* > terrorist huggers tsk,tsk,tsk… Now didn’t we talk aboot this? ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2003, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/294 "2003-02-01T03:53:14Z")
\*\*\* WARNING \*\*\* The following post contains sarcasm. Some of you at the back of the class may not be able to identify this without extensive use of “roll eyes”. However, even though the Internet is primarily textual, it is indeed possible to state things in a way that tone or manner such that context can be established even by the relatively slow and dense. * * * Ah forgettabootit. The thrill is gone. The link between terrorism and oil has always been weak. It has little to do with the remarkable selfishness, self-righteousness and solispism that makes up the average tailgating-bastard SUV/pick-up/mini-van driver. ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2003, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/295 "2003-02-01T04:20:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > **Yeah, it’s gotta hurt to know that you’re being beaten at every level of this 'debate.'** Good. Sauron has declared himself the winner. Now maybe this bloated threat can finally die. > [@](#): > > Incidentally, you might wanna be careful about that whole “stop reading” deal; that’s dangerously close to implying that I’m on your ‘ignore’ list. There’s rules on this message board, you know. Did they make up that rule so people would have to read your posts? There must be _some_ incentive. > [@](#): > > … And, finally, I’ll reiterate my questions: Did you actually see the accident you got so upset about in your OP occur? Can you say for certain it was caused by ‘fucknut’ or ‘asshat’ behavior on the part of the SUV driver? I’ve already answered this. Read the thread. And I will reiterate (or at least call attention to) that long list of SUV stereotypes from other posters. Why are you not on your soapbox about them? Are you really and truly opposed to stereotypes? Or are you just a sanctimonious posuer? ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2003, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/296 "2003-02-01T04:21:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > \*\*You are exactly right, **Dr\_Paprika** (although the “terrorist huggers” rhetoric is a tad strong). > > Tailgating is irresponsible and dangerous driving, no matter who does it. If you’re tailgating someone, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to stop in time if someone in front of you slams on the brakes, regardless of the type of vehicle you’re driving. \*\* Rule of thumb: the heavier the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance. ---
**Author:** ![Tony\_Montana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tony\_Montana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tony_Montana)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2003, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/297 "2003-02-01T04:30:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Dr\_Paprika \* > \*\*\*\*\* WARNING \*\*\* > > The following post contains sarcasm. Some of you at the back of the class may not be able to identify this without extensive use of “roll eyes”. A dim light goes on in Tony’s head…::blink,buzzz,blink,blink:: ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2003, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/298 "2003-02-01T04:43:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Doc Nickel \* > \*\*Geez Pucks, “Dickel”? … > _Surely_ you can do better. > \*\* Okay, Dickel, I’m [pitting you.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=159987) Right from the start of your entry on this thread, you’ve been calling me names. That’s fine with me: it’s the Pit. But now you have the nerve to object to treatment in kind? Besides, I think “Dickel” is perfect for you. It sounds like a little prick – and so do you. ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2003, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/299 "2003-02-01T22:32:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Pucky Schumer \* > I’ve already answered this. Read the thread. > And I will reiterate (or at least call attention to) that long list of SUV stereotypes from other posters. Why are you not on your soapbox about them? Are you really and truly opposed to stereotypes? Or are you just a sanctimonious posuer? I’ve already read the part where you admit you didn’t see the accident. I’m hoping that eventually you’ll realize you can’t impart fault or even motive if you **didn’t see it happen**. The other posters who forwarded the stereotype have long since quit posting. You’re the only prejudiced one left. That’s why I’m still here. In my own small way, I try to fight ignorance. You’re proving a tough nut to crack, but I hold out hope for you. You’re exactly right about heavier vehicles requiring longer stopping distances. The instant you want to bitch about tailgaters, regardless of vehicle, I’m right there with you. ---
**Author:** ![Pucky\_Schumer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Pucky\_Schumer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pucky_Schumer)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2003, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301/300 "2003-02-02T05:37:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > **The other posters who forwarded the stereotype have long since quit posting.** So? You didn’t respond to them when they _were_ here. You’re either against what you call “stereotypes,” or you’re not. Why were you afraid to respond to them while they were here? You’re exactly right about heavier vehicles requiring longer stopping distances. The instant you want to bitch about tailgaters, regardless of vehicle, I’m right there with you. [/QUOTE] Ugh. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-suv-driver-not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it/149301.md?page=16)