"Darkened windows in cars, trucks and
vans are increasing in number even though excess tinting is unsafe
and illegal"; a quote from Dr, Merrill Allen, professor emeritus
of optometry at the Indiana School of Optometry and an expert
on automobile driver vision. "Darkened windows prevent the
driver from making eye contact with pedestrians, motorcyclists
and other drivers."
As a practicing Kingwood optometrist and an
avid motorcyclist, I was glad to see these tinted windows get
some press. The credible article was found in the American Optometric
Association News, a monthly publication sent to all AOA members
in the country. Since the article is only being read by indulging
optometrists, I thought I would share some of the highlights with
at least some of our community readers. Besides, don't those sinister-looking
black windows bug you just a little? Do you ever wonder who's
looking at you behind that one-way glass?
"It is a well-documented, research-proven
fact that tinting interferes with night vision," Dr. Allen
says. "Even factory-tinted windshields can be hazardous in
the daytime because they can reduce the visibility of red lights
by 60%. Red taillights, brake lights and traffic signals are harder
to see in the daytime than at night."
Now, having lived in the Houston area for over
21 years, I will concede that any attempt to reduce temperatures
in your parked car in the middle of July is worth a valiant effort;
but the ten degrees you save may not justify the possible hazards.
"Any person considering tinting the windows of his or her
motor vehicle should keep in mind the increased risk of accidents,
the problems with automobile insurance companies and the possibility
of losing a lawsuit arising from a motor vehicle accident because
of reduced driver vision caused by add-on window tinting,"
so states Dr. Allen.
From a more personal note; in light of the
many joggers, walkers, bicyclists, strollers and scooters in and
around Kingwood, it would behoove the tinted window motorist to
pay extra attention at crosswalks and intersections. It has always
been taught in motorcycle safety classes to be sure to make eye
contact with the driver of an approaching car, and especially
at intersections. That one small safety tidbit has saved many
lives. And now that edge is disappearing behind a dark piece of
glass.
I must admit that I have been tinting my own
car's windows now for about the last five years and kind of enjoy
the "privacy" they afford. But I also notice the hesitancy
of joggers and bicyclists as they are about to cross my path.
And I definitely feel my own adrenaline when riding the HOG and
the darkened car to my left is creeping toward my path. The eye
contact is assuredly missing and it makes for a lot of uncertainty
at those dreaded intersections.
I don't think tinted windows will go away any
time soon so all of us on the road should keep a few things in
mind. Remember, although you can see out of your car fairly well,
don't assume that cyclist can see in. And because your front windshield
is not darkly tinted, don't assume you're making eye contact with
that approaching jogger....the whole interior of your car appears
dark to him.
Then there's that "look" of dark
windows which appeals to many drivers. I guess that's a legitimate
reason for tinting your windows. I just wish I was the only one
with them!