In sunny Western Australia shade blinds on car windows are common. Side window blinds are typically used to shield passengers, especially children, from the harsh sun, heat and sun glare. But shade blinds on side windows can unintentionally increase the risk of car accidentss, a concern that our experienced car accident lawyers in Perth are well-versed in addressing.
The Overlooked Risks of Side Window Shade Blinds:
In July 2020 a pedestrian was tragically killed when he was run over by a truck. The truck driver had stopped at a roadhouse in Port Hedland. After a break he climbed back into his cab, started his truck and moved forward and drove off. In the process of pulling off he ran over a pedestrian. But the truck driver didn’t see the pedestrian and didn’t even know at the time that he had driven over him: the driver’s view was obstructed by a foil shade that ran below his window.
Sun visors and window shades are very popular and are widely used by Western Australian drivers. They offer protection from the sun, from heat, as well as protection from sun glare. But they possibly also increase the risk to other road users for a number of reasons:
Reduced Peripheral Vision:
Side window shade blinds can limit a driver’s peripheral vision, reducing their ability to spot potential hazards or other vehicles, such as motor bikes or cyclists. Any reduced visibility may lead to a delayed reaction and an increased risk of a car accident.
Obstructed Communication:
Effective communication between drivers is an important part of preventing accidents. Shade blinds on side windows may obstruct visual signals, such as hand gestures or eye contact between drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists, potentially contributing to misunderstandings and car accidents.
Violation of Regulations:
Western Australia has specific regulations regarding window tinting and other obstructions that affect a driver’s view. While shade blinds on side windows might be less obvious than those on the front windshield, they can still violate these regulations, resulting in legal consequences for the driver.
Compensation claims:
Drivers have a responsibility to maintain clear visibility while driving a vehicle. If an accident happens because of impaired vision caused by side window shade blinds, the driver may be at risk of being negligent for failing to ensure unobstructed sightlines. For example if the driver is using a modified visor or a non-standard visor, that could be a problem for the driver if that driver is in an accident with another car.
Bottom line:
The intention in using shade blinds on side windows is to enhance passenger comfort: to protect from the heat and to control glare. There is nothing wrong with that intention. But the problem comes if the shade blinds cause obstructed vision and put other road users at an increased risk.
When it gets hot in Perth in summer and we reach from those side window shades for our cars, always consider your fundamental obligation as a driver – to make sure that you can drive safely.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Perth and have been injured and have made a claim, give Lian Hall Injury Law a call for an obligation-free chat about your options.
