This paper is a summary of Clark (1996). Tinting of road vehicle transparencies delays driver perception and reaction. Theoretically this must increase collision probability and severity. Similar adverse effects can also result from excessive coloration in eyewear, styling excesses in transparency rake angles, obscuration in fields of view, use of long-wavelength red signal lights, and poor through-vehicle visibility. Road accident investigations generally have not been thorough enough for such contibutory effects to be identified reliably. However, Australian vehicle insurance claims rates have increased substantially since 1990 when windshield tinting was first allowed and permitted tinting for windows was increased. There is scope for better matching of road vehicle standards to driver capabilities and limitations. (A)
Abstract