Naff or not, these ‘giant road Rambos’ tell us much about politics right now

You can almost trace the rise of political discontent across Western democracies to the increase of big dumb utes on our roads, writes Amy Remeikis.

You can almost trace the rise of political discontent across Western democracies to the increase of big dumb utes on our roads.

This is not about class or the type of person attracted by the road rambos, but what their popularity says about us as societies.

The attraction of these automobile beefcakes is the road dominance they represent. It’s about empowering the individual above everyone else.

They’re taller so you see over the road – who cares that no one can see around you? They take up more lane space so you’re more likely to be able to dictate lane behaviour – who cares about those stuck around you? They’re too big for most car parks, so you get a wide berth – who cares about anyone else inconvenienced, or unable to see past the tray? In a collision, you will most likely be fine – but those in the other car, or pedestrians, cannot say the same.

Road deaths are increasing in Australia. A 500-kilogram increase in vehicle weight is linked to a 70 per cent higher death risk for those in the lighter car. Occupants in giant vehicles may be saved, but there are about 4.3 additional road deaths among others on the road.

Everything about these giant road Rambos screams “me”. We are incentivised to be the biggest on the road to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and everyone else can fend for themselves. And it’s an analogy for where we are as a........

© InDaily