Sports 4x4s not as safe as some believe A 4x4 sport utility owner has paid mightily for a very specialized machine that ravages his wallet for operating and maintenance costs. It rides like a truck, handles like a truck. It is probably less appropriate in slippery weather than a car unless it is climbing a mountain. Insurance industry figures indicate that in a 4x4 vs. car accident, tons of armor plate are safer. However, you may be shocked at seeing the remains of that Ford Escort and its unfortunate occupants after it gets whacked.
Sport utilities are killer cars.
If you buy anything but narrow tires and small wheels, you have bought a skidding machine. Fat tires have less weight per square inch on the surface and will have a greater tendency to slide in slippery conditions. They will go up the hill real good but on the flats or curves, they skid like anything else. The high road clearance causes anywhere from three to 10 times the rollover accident rate. High clearance is a deadly killer in a 4x4 vs. car accident.