"People aren't buying huge SUV's because they've analyzed the data to determine that the relative impact of their consumption isn't worth buying a smaller vehicle."
Anecdotal only, but I notice my friends with more than 3 kids need a larger vehicle. Also, heavier vehicles are safer for the passengers. And some people need to carry cargo.
I'm sure not everyone has a 'good' reason, but a fair number of people do make a conscious choice.
My assertion wasn't I assumed that people aren't making a conscious choice, but rather that they aren't pouring over international carbon emissions data as part of that decision making process.
As far as what families feel they "need", I think it represents a larger societal issue around how we manage vehicle use and ownership. Most pickup trucks I see on the road aren't hauling cargo. And most 7 or 8 passenger SUVs have 1 or 2 people in them.
> Also, heavier vehicles are safer for the passengers.
Yes, for the passengers in that particular vehicle. More dangerous for others on the road who can't afford or are unwilling to purchase a similarly sized vehicle.