larger gas guzzlers would pay more, reflecting the greater damage they're apt to cause in a collision and in wear and tear of the road.
I think the loss of life in smaller vehicles is the greater damage. I have been T-boned twice in large pick ups and I am quite sure I couldn't have survived either in a small car. My granddaughter bought a tiny car she thought was just too cute. It scared the hell out of me. I bought her new tires and had a rear camera installed to help but I was so glad when she traded up to a full size.
Remembering when I needed a pickup truck & Ma thought I should get a Ranger. Borrowed my buddy’s and took her for a spin. She said I should buy a big F250, instead. I did. That little Ranger wasn’t any bigger inside than our old VW beetle. At least the bug had a gasoline heater, run you out in 5 minutes!
Yeah, I wouldn’t want any of mine driving one of those puddle-jumpers. But there are safe and economical cars: I have a Volvo 240 wagon we bought for a young family.
I’m working on it and hoping to get close to 30mpg. It may need a new engine (300K) but they’re cheap. I’ll never have to walk on a car lot again, and I’m okay with that.