I think many SUV drivers select these monstrosities for the same in-your-face reason that people play loud music, build McMansions in the suburbs, shout into their cellphones, or otherwise draw attention to themselves. Since so many of them lack even a qualitative understanding of the simple fundamental laws of basic Newtonian physics (no relativistic quantum electrodynamics Ph.D. required!), they also roll these "safe" vehicles with astonishing regularity.
Part of the problem is that today's automotive technology, particularly for luxury cars and large SUVs, thoroughly isolates the motorist from the environment, in the interest of "reducing driver stress." The motorist is lulled into the false sense of security that he/she is sitting in a room, enjoying a high-quality audio (and, cringe, coming soon ... video!) system.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069