[SUPERBADD75]

i don't think that safety is the only issue with smaller cars in America, but it's definitely a concern. with a bike, of course you know you're not as safe and it's a risk you assume when you buy. with a car, regardless of what you know intellectually, you feel like you should be safer because you're enveloped with a full body, with doors and windows, and unfortunately with a Kei car (or the like) you're just not. in fact, in some types of accidents, you could be in more danger. with a motorcycle you may be thrown off in a crash, but with a helmet and some other protective gear, that can be a blessing in some cases. with a tiny car, you could get trapped inside and not have the ability to get out because the small structure crushes to the point that the doors won't open, or you get stuck under the steering wheel, or something of that nature. that possibility worries me about tiny cars. if there weren't so many SUVs on the road it wouldn't be as big a deal, but the thought of driving around Suburbans and Excursions in a Pajero Mini just doesn't make me feel very comfortable. i don't think most people are ready for those tiny cars. once fuel prices take the large SUVs off the road, then we'll have a better chance.