Earlier quoted context omitted.
Big cars were always popular in the US. Until the mid 1970s when fuel economy standards and an oil crisis or two changed the market. The oil crisis passed, but the economy standards did not. Trucks weren't held to the same standards as cars, so manufacturers started making more carlike trucks to meet consumer demand for larger vehicles. The improved visibility and image of toughness and independence also helps drive…
The visibility is modified, not improved. Far away objects are more visible and very nearby objects (like curbs or children) are less visible. Bad drivers driving huge cars through dense places are scary...
I think it's mostly related to the percentage of other vehicles that they can see over.