Let's take a step back and look at SUVs from a realistic vantage point.
SUV's, just like pick up trucks, are inherently more likely to tip over than sedans, coupes, station wagons and compacts because SUV's, like trucks, have a higher center of mass. It's really that simple.
Complaining about this unavoidable difference and blaming the manufacturers for making unsafe vehicles is ridiculous. SUV's and pickup trucks exist for a reason - because many drivers want them and many drivers need them. Millions of people can't get their daily business accomplished with a one wheel drive commuter car and that means driving a vehicle that sits a foot or more higher and (due simply to the laws of physics) is statistically more likely to over.
But this doesn't mean these vehicles are unsafe. It must be understood that SUV's and trucks are perfectly stable under normal driving conditions and it's very difficult to get one to tip over even if you tried. The fact is, nearly all rollovers occur after a collision has already happened or after the vehicle has left the highway, for whatever reason, and is traveling at highway speed in whatever uneven and nonlevel terrain happens to be by the side of the road.
As has been pointed out, owners of 4wd vehicles tend to drive more aggressively, especially under adverse conditions, and this results in more accidents and necessarily, more rollovers, and this is not the fault of the vehicle or the manufacturer.
There is some justification, however, in criticizing the mentality of some of the millions of drivers who would be properly suited to owning a normal car but instead, drive an SUV or truck just because they like the feel of sitting up higher than other drivers. It makes little sense to buy a more expensive vehicle that has inherently inferior handling and costs more to maintain and keep filled with gas, just so you can ride in traffic 12 inches higher than other drivers.
