Exploring the Influence of Tinted Windows and Other in-vehicle Distractions on Driver Detection of Pedestrians and Bicyclists
This project seeks to address increasing road fatalities in the United States, especially among pedestrians and bicyclists, by investigating how vehicle features such as tinted windows and in-vehicle screens impact driver visual perception and the safety of vulnerable road users. The scope centers on visibility-related safety issues near intersections and the potential added risks posed by heavily tinted windows, which may hinder both driver detection of pedestrians and cyclists and police or witness identification. The objectives are to experimentally evaluate the effect of varying window tint levels and screen use on driver attention, detection ability, and overall safety in low-light and low-contrast conditions. The method involves controlled studies using advanced eye-tracking technology to measure driver performance and behavior across multiple tint percentages, ultimately informing safer vehicle and roadway practices for non-motorized users that align with the Safe Systems Approach.
- Record URL:
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $116,668.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348336
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Project Managers:
Stearns, Amy
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Performing Organizations:
University of New Mexico
Department of Civil Engineering
Albuquerque, NM United States 87131 -
Principal Investigators:
Losada-Rojas, Lisa
- Start Date: 20251201
- Expected Completion Date: 20261130
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bicycle safety; Distraction; Driving behavior; Pedestrian safety; Tinted glass; Windows (Vehicles)
- Subject Areas: Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01971454
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348336
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Nov 17 2025 4:54PM