Letter to the editor: Tinted windows add to danger

Re: Nicole Efron’s March 31 guest column, “Street safety changes will help save lives”:

I recently had the opportunity to read Nicole Efron’s insightful column. I found her perspectives on the evolving challenges pedestrians face in urban environments to be alarmingly true.

One aspect that I believe warrants further attention is the issue of tinted windows on vehicles and their impact on pedestrian safety. As a frequent walker and runner myself, I wholeheartedly agree that the increasing size of cars and trucks poses a significant threat to pedestrians. However, there is an additional concern that often goes overlooked: the lack of enforcement regarding tinted windows.

In many instances, I rely on making eye contact with drivers before crossing a street as a crucial safety measure. However, with windows tinted to the point of opacity, this essential visual cue is often rendered ineffective. It becomes nearly impossible to ascertain whether a driver has seen me, let alone make eye contact to ensure safe passage.

I believe that addressing the issue of tinted windows through stricter enforcement of existing laws could greatly enhance pedestrian safety in our communities. By holding drivers accountable for maintaining clear visibility through their windows, we can help mitigate the risks posed by increasingly large and opaque vehicles.

Lynne Hooper, Ventura

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letter to the editor: Tinted windows add to danger