I'm getting a little annoyed at all of the people complaining about Maui Police Department's enforcement efforts against jacked-up trucks and tinted windows (The Maui News, Nov. 21). Do any of the complainers understand the dangers involved?
First, the major problem with jacked-up trucks is that it raises the vehicle center of gravity. If raised high enough, the truck becomes very unstable and much easier to roll over. Add to that headlights that shine directly into the windows of the cars, tail and brake lights that are so high that they can't be seen in heavy traffic, and uncovered tires that throw stones and mud directly at the vehicle behind and you have a very problematic vehicle that is endangering the driver himself and all of the other drivers nearby. And, think of one hitting a pedestrian.
Now, consider very heavily tinted windows. I know it sounds pretty innocuous. However, think about the other drivers who use not just the signal lights and movement of the other cars but reading other drivers' head movements to anticipate what they might do. Can't be done with tinted windows. If you are a police officer making a traffic stop and you can't see the driver and passengers, how do you know they don't have guns and you, unknowingly, are walking to your death?
Thanks, Maui Police Department, for trying to enforce traffic laws other than speeding and parking. How about keeping right except to pass on four-lane highways next?
Al Rabold
Kula
