Modern cars unsafe due to small windows

For design reasons, the side and rear windows of cars are getting ever smaller. And even then some of the windows are partially covered in black plastic, and I'm not talking about the so-called "privacy glass". It looks great, but you can't see anything!

The good old times

In my long history as an ardent motorist, I've had the privilege to own several cars. Like many, I started my motoring life with a Citroën Deux Chevaux, also called 'Tin Snail' by some. But to me it didn't seem Tin-like nor Snail-paced; I was proud of it. One of the many characteristics of that car was the small, flat windshield. But because of the layout of that car I was always so close to the wheel that I had a good view of the other traffic on the road.

Getting bigger, not faster

As time went by, my cars got bigger and stronger. I developed a love for fast cars and at one point I was even allowed a "company car". I started with an Opel Kadett, and then a Ford Orion followed. Do you remember those cars? I know I do, especially because the power source was a bit inadequate.

Not bigger, but faster

After these underpowered company cars, I climbed the ladder of the hierarchy, and consequently I got to select better cars. So I had another Ford Orion, a Subaru Legacy, a VW Passat Sedan and VW Passat Variant. I could tell you interesting things about each of these cars, but I want to focus on the last one, the VW Passat Variant. With 140 HP this was the most powerful car I was allowed to drive at the expense of a company. But what was so special about it?

A sweeping view

The first time I drove that car and had to turn right, I looked over my right shoulder just like my driving instructor had taught me long ago. Instantly I noticed that I had an almost unlimited view of my surroundings. This was possible because the VW Passat Variant was rather 'square' by design and had large, bright windows that were almost uninterrupted by the framework.

Design windows

Those were the days: large windows for a good view. This has all changed nowadays. For design purposes, many cars give the impression that they have large glass surfaces, but this is just an illusion. A large percentage of those "large windows" taped over with black plastic from the inside, because otherwise the upholstery would become visible. That would be ugly. What is left is a tiny window, more suitable for a car from the fifties. Try to imagine the car without all that black plastic when you are looking at a new Opel Insignia, a Mini Countryman or a Volvo V60!

Sources: www.todio.nl