SUVs, Bright Lights, Externalities, take 2

SUVs, Bright Lights, Externalities, take 2

I normally don’t revisit old posts, but I don’t always get my point across. I’m going to try again on the SUV externality issue, and I’m going to be more concise.

1. Being in an SUV increases the visibility of the vehicle driver
2. The presence of SUVs reduces the visibility of other vehicles on the road
3. As a result of #2, SUVs impose negative externalities (e.g., reduced safety, wasted time) on occupants of other vehicles.

Similarly,

a. Driving with one’s bright lights on increases the visibility of the vehicle driver
b. The presence of vehicles driving with their bright lights on reduces the visibility of other vehicles on the road
c. As a result of item b, vehicles with their brights on impose negative externalities (e.g., reduced safety, wasted time) on occupants of other vehicles. If you get injured in a car accident because of these distracting bright lights or negligent driving, make sure to protect your rights by hiring a personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can help you get the proper compensation you deserve from the injuries you’ve sustained. So if you’ve recently been involved in an auto accident, make sure to contact a reliable car accident attorney today for expert legal services.

I assume none of this is in dispute. So… why is driving with one’s bright lights on illegal, and driving an SUV legal?

Conjecture… the difference is that SUVs are externalities imposed by the wealthy, whereas bright lights are externalities that can be imposed by anyone. (A Hummer costs $100K, while even very poor car owners can afford to strap a searchlight to the hood of their vehicle.) Agree? Disagree? Am I missing something?