Re:Convincing one of safety of small vehicles. (Score 1)

The relative size disparity is an issue, and maybe part of the solution is to start imposing size limits on passenger vehicles if people driving SUVs are forcing other drivers to drive larger cars out of self-preservation.

At the same time, part of being a good driver involves paying attention to what is behind you as well as in front of you, and maintaining both a safe stopping distance as well as an escape route so you can swerve away if someone is coming up behind you too fast. Complacent drivers are at risk no matter what kind of car they're in, while an alert and skilled driver with a maneuverable and responsive car will be reasonably safe (given that driving is an inherently risky thing) without having to rely on airbags and thousands of pounds of steel to protect against collisions.

In other words: take driving seriously and pay attention to what you're doing, and the size of your car becomes less of an issue.