Gas mileage or safety?

Given the choice between fuel economy and safety, one can judge a persons character based on what they choose.
As a father, I would never choose economy over safety. Parents who pile their children into a Prius when they can easily afford an SUV are putting their politics ahead of their own children's safety.
Forget that the Prius does more harm to the environment from raw materials through end of life than a VM Golf Diesel. In fact some studies have shown that a Hummer H2 does less damage as well.
I drive a modified Jeep that has been in two crashes. Both not my fault. In both cases, had I been in Prius, the harm to all in the accident would gave been much greater, not to mention the injury to my children. As it was, the Honda Civic got totaled and I had less than $800 damage. The driver of the Honda survived with minor injury. That is because my Jeep held her car to the pavement instead of hitting it low and flipping her over. Simple physics.
If I had a long commute and did not have my children with me and I could afford to have a stable of task specific vehicles like the Hollywood elites who take out their hybrids for show, then I could have a safe car for the family and an econo box for commuting.
As it is, I have a two mile drive to work. My wife has a 1.7 mile. But I drive 18 milers one way to karate. As such my Exxon gas bill is still about $400 per month.
If one genuinely cares about one's children, a used SUV is a safer choice than a new Kia or Hyundai.
A new 4 door Wrangler Rubicon is a very nice safe family vehicle and you don't have to dodge potholes either. Spring rains? Drive through them.
Just my $0.02