[latencyloser]

I still disagree that there's a regulatory need here. Are there not consequences for the drivers in these situations? Are pedestrians not somewhat liable for their own situational awareness?

Even if regulation is the only solution (I do not believe it is) there's ways with better locality like limiting access to the roads, providing better pathways for pedestrians, better guard rails, lighting, etc. Regulating the vehicle is a sweeping change that assumes that people who own these vehicles have absolutely no need for them in the first place.

I live in an area where a high clearance SUV or other large vehicle is a necessity for navigating many of the roads. Why should I, and others like me, suffer for the externalities occurring in cities (this seems to pertain to) where I will never drive?

[cycomanic]

But the issue is that drivers of large vehicles are typically less aware of pedestrians. So how can I as a pedastrian be responsible for the situational awareness of the SUV driver? It kills me just as much if they are not aware of me.

I think other solutions would work just as well, just add sidewalks so roads become smaller, or make users of large SUVs pay for the cost of killing pedestrians.

>I live in an area where a high clearance SUV or other large vehicle is a necessity for navigating many of the roads. Why should I, and others like me, suffer for the externalities occurring in cities (this seems to pertain to) where I will never drive?

I don't know where you live but most SUVs are not really made for off-road use either and there are plenty of high clearance smaller cars around. Moreover, let's turn the question around, why should pedestrians pay (with their lives) so that some people in remote areas and many city people who want to feal like a outdoor cowboy can drive SUVs?

[latencyloser]

> So how can I as a pedastrian be responsible for the situational awareness of the SUV driver?

The same way you're responsible for anything you do around other people. Pay attention to who and what is around you, how exposed to danger you are currently. I don't walk around parking lots or other busy areas assuming drivers can always see me, do you?

> I don't know where you live...

It's fine if folks want to regulate their cities like this, by all means. Make vehicles over some size/tonnage illegal in the city limits, do whatever in the city. But why choose a pathway that effects people who live far from them? I struggle to follow the logic.

[zip1234]

What 99% of Americans use their large SUVs and pickup trucks for is not to drive on seasonal roads in Montana.

[latencyloser]

99% of Americans don't get run over by SUVs or pickup trucks either.

I don't live in Montana, fwiw.