A lighting distraction we don't need on our roadways.

This week MN Public Radio did a report on a Twin Cities company that is placing flashing, electronic messaging signs on the rear windows of vehicles. The company, Rear Window Media, says that the signs are not a hazard and are not distracting. If you go to their website and look at the signs, you can draw your own conclusions but I would disagree. The signs flash changing messages on the back windows of vehicles. By their very nature, these signs are designed to be distracting in order to market a product. To even consider such a sign on a vehicle is irresponsible, to allow it to be placed on your vehicle is even worse.

The MN State Patrol said that they were looking into the legality of the signs. I don' t think that they need to look further than MN Statute 169.64 which prohibits flashing and colored lights except for specific vehicles and circumstances. You can look it up. Driver's that drive vehicles with these signs in use should be cited. If the State Attorney General doesn't think that the law is enforceable, the legislature needs to act to strengthen the law.

Thes signs are a distraction for all drivers, but it is especially dangerous for older drivers. As we age, our vision declines, it is a natural part of the aging process. Even drivers in their early 40's experience a decline in their night vision. Older drivers also have trouble with bright lights and glare recovery. With an ever increasing number of older drivers, flashing signs on the back window is certainly adding to the problems of night vision for seniors. This is a terrible marketing idea and should be stopped.