I believe you are right about safety.The generic SUV is basically a tricked up cab on a pickup truck. It doesn't handle like a car because it isn't one. But the inexperienced driver doesn't know that --cruising along high and dry, misjudging speed, no idea where the vehicle's corners are, I've seen more than one defensive driver have to take evasive action...and done so myself.
i think something does happen to certain drivers, when they
climb up into a SUV...get all Mr. Macho and think people driving normal autos are "pantywaists."
I recall reading a statistics study about 20 years ago showing that agressiving driving was highest amongst luxury vehicles. Next highest was higher priced pick-ups. SUV's were just sporty FWD vehicles at the time. Guess those rich people and pick up truck owners have switched to SUV's. My own experiance is that that vehicle that pulls up behind you like a NASCAR driver and blinks his lights as you drive at 80 MPH used to be a Caddy but now is a Ford Explorer. Also I have noticed a lot more women doing this. Second worst offenders are drivers of expensive sport cars, except for Vette owners and modified souped up sport cars for some reason, guess they get their kicks driving on a track.
Have nothing against a SUV, I would consider one if I lived in the country, just can't understand having a 4-wheel drive and never putting the tires on a dirt road, let alone off road. I own a van and a station wagon, they do as well as any SUV with the same features at less cost.