SUVs are more dangerous than regular cars when they get in accidents, and pollute more as well.

A spike in SUV rollover deaths helped push the number of U.S. highway deaths last year higher for the fourth year in a row, according to the federal government.

Dr. Jeffrey Runge, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said the fatality increase could be related to 4,451 deaths involving SUVs, 456 more than in 2002, according to the Detroit News. The number of SUV-related deaths increased 11 percent, reflecting a jump in SUV registrations.

SUVs pollute more than regular cars. The U.S. Environonmental Protection Agency reported Friday that the fuel economy of new vehicles has remained stagnant over the past five years, thanks in large part to the popularity of gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks.

So who the heck would buy these things? Author Malcolm Gladwell reports that internal auto industry market research indicates that "S.U.V.s tend to be bought by people who are insecure, vain, self-centered, and self-absorbed, who are frequently nervous about their marriages, and who lack confidence in their driving skills."

Overall, according to the Census Bureau, Wisconsin truck registrations in 2002 included an estimated 42 percent pickups, 26 percent SUVs, and 18 percent minivans.

"Wisconsin has approximately one pickup for every 7 people and about one SUV for every 11 people, the Census Bureau said in its report. "It also has approximately one pickup for every 4 licensed drivers and
about one SUV for every 7 licensed drivers."

Those vehicles generally aren't being used for work, either.

"About 75 percent of all trucks were used for personal transportation, while 22 percent were operated for business, including for-hire use," the Census Bureau said.