% of trucks and SUVs in Pittsburgh (luxury, gated, living)

[Corvidae22]

Has anyone ever found any articles about what cities have the highest percentages of trucks and SUV in relation to cars? I really feel like 7 out of 10 vehicles on the road are trucks or SUVs (with almost half of those being disgustingly large Dodge Rams). I'm sure it just seems that way to me, but I've often wondered how Pittsburgh compares to other cities in this regard. I've been all over the East Coast (and even lived in Philly), but I never noticed. Partly because I wasn't looking, but I'm sure that the hills and weather also play a factor in it (especially those low-riding, rear-wheel drive pickups... those are great in the winter ).

Full disclosure... I made this post for two reasons: Legitimate curiously and minor venting.

[Bludy-L]

Yinz like SUVs n'case da snow sticks n it gets slippy n'at.

Posted with TapaTalk

[Goinback2011]

I bought a small AWD Subaru last summer to deal with the slippy streets in the winter.

Good gas mileage and goes anywhere anytime.

[AnneWest]

Originally Posted by Corvidae22

Has anyone ever found any articles about what cities have the highest percentages of trucks and SUV in relation to cars? I really feel like 7 out of 10 vehicles on the road are trucks or SUVs (with almost half of those being disgustingly large Dodge Rams).

A lot. Especially apparent in parking lots, where they hem in smaller cars who cannot see to back out of their spaces safely. I vote for segregated parking.

Cars here<------------------------------------->Trucks, Vans and SUVs over there

[gg]

Pittsburgh is filled with the redneck types. That is for sure. I am not sure why Pittsburgh is the opposite of green, but I am guessing just a lack of education. Work trucks on one thing, but in Pittsburgh, most all of them are just so-called show trucks. In the US in general, we don't take driving seriously. How can anyone if the roads are filled with living rooms on wheels and just huge crappy vehicles that don't handle or brake well? They sure make driving a nightmare, but I don't think this area will ever get up to speed on that stuff. SUVs are marketed as being safe, but how can something that can't maneuver be safe? They are hardly safe unless driven at very slow speeds. Tons of chest pounders around that love big trucks to show off to other males that... well think a big truck is status. Odd stuff. Anyway, that is a big deal in Pittsburgh. Just go to a Steeler game or whatever around here. Empty pickups everywhere. I remember talking to some guy from Germany that saw all the trucks and he said, "why are there so many empty pickup trucks on the road?" I just laughed and said, some think that is a status. He just didn't understand. Germans take driving a bit more seriously than we do. BMW, Audi and Porsche anyone? Autobahn? I think our area should have a maximum speed limit of 40mph due to that backwards vehicles on the roads.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by AnneWest

A lot. Especially apparent in parking lots, where they hem in smaller cars who cannot see to back out of their spaces safely. I vote for segregated parking.

Cars here<------------------------------------->Trucks, Vans and SUVs over there

LOL! You can have that now!
Anyone is free to park as far away as they like.

[Boomchee]

One major difference in Pittsburgh as opposed to other parts of the country is terrain. The roads here are a complete joke.Driving in the city is barely a cut above off-roading. From my own observations and experience trucks/suvs and larger vehicles hold up better here. While not as efficient as small/hybrid vehicles so it's a give/take situation. One thing that amazes me being very tall is that vehicles keep getting smaller and smaller. I'm forced to drive something large as small cars feel like a death trap.

[JoeP]

I would have to suggest traveling a lot more and you'll see the same ratio most everywhere.

This has nothing to do with Pittsburgh in any unique way.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by JoeP

I would have to suggest traveling a lot more and you'll see the same ratio most everywhere.

This has nothing to do with Pittsburgh in any unique way.

For a change, I agree with you! It's certainly true here in CO. The doctor's parking lot where I work is full of trucks and SUVs, along with a few luxury cars. The nurses drive SUVs, mini SUVs, minivans, and Subaru wagons for a large percentage.

[ditchdigger]

Originally Posted by AnneWest

A lot. Especially apparent in parking lots, where they hem in smaller cars who cannot see to back out of their spaces safely. I vote for segregated parking.

Cars here<------------------------------------->Trucks, Vans and SUVs over there

I drive an extended cab dually, which means not only longer but wider than even the average pickup truck. I'm happy to park 20 spaces away from the next closest vehicle. The extra walking is well worth avoiding the aggravation of trying to squeeze in and out between cars. And I'll pull far enough forward that I'm actually using part of the space in front of me, but that keeps me completely clear of the lane behind me.

On edit: BTW, if compromised visibility is the issue, then you also need to include all the soccer Moms' minivans...