Every deposition the questions about distractions on the windshield came up. Sometimes, the defendant has a large handicap sticker that may have played a role in what they could see. Pictures taken at the time of the collision verified that the obstruction was there. The testifying driver seems to have forgotten that. It's not an issue in every case, but it can be.
It is a concern to see where people are placing the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in their cars. Since Aug. 1, 2009, the Minnesota legislature ok'd the GPS to be mounted or located near the bottom most portion of a vehicle’s windshield.
The key is that the early photographers were very important. It also is important which the windshield be free of cracks, obstacles, and items that will prevent drivers from seeing. Over the last year, more and more cars are adding navigation systems. I have one in my car. It has gotten me places faster, and most importantly, there. It just cannot be in vital sight lines and it also should not interfere with the deployment of an airbag.
Hopefully, this law change will make the positioning of the GPS uniform and clear for people to see other cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians. A GPS is a great help, but it needs to not be an obstruction.
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
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