Being European and having lived and worked in the USA, I can relate well to this story. If I may add my own thoughts on it:

https://peter-wurmsdobler.medium.com/the-pandemic-happening-unnoticed-and-contributing-to-the-demise-of-life-on-planet-earth-suvitis-1a911ca77c15

https://peter-wurmsdobler.medium.com/suvs-and-4x4s-how-can-these-vehicles-remain-acceptable-2318b3dd5150