Driving safety is priority, so get over the overspray

Q Let’s do a reality check on windshield cleaning. We’re in the middle of a drought. We are not washing our cars often, which means our windshields are getting very dirty. Dust on the windshield is not always obvious. I’ve been on the freeway when the sun hit at an angle that made it impossible to see. Yes, I will check to see if cars (especially motorcycles) are close by before I turn on my windshield cleaner. But we are in the Bay Area — there are ALWAYS cars on the freeway!

Instead of jumping to conclusions about tailgating, why don’t we first assume the person is trying to see out the windshield and prevent an accident. That is more important than a few sprinkles landing on someone’s car. Anna Durante Los Altos

A Other readers also took exception to those upset about drivers spraying their windshields at freeway speeds, which is sometimes done to get tailgaters to back off.

Q Although I keep my cars clean, there are times when I find the dust/ glare/bugs/whatever prevent me from clearly seeing where I am going, especially when suddenly turning into the sun. And, yes, I do feel bad about the overspray hitting those following me (unless they are tailgating). But my priority is safe driving, not the feelings and inconvenience of the drivers behind me. Pat Lamey Los Gatos

A OK …

Q In most cases I agree with you. But you indicated that people who use their windshield sprayers at freeway speeds should “cease and desist”? Seriously? Why don’t we just kill all of the birds in the sky who poop on your car at freeway speeds? Or cut the trees that drop sap onto our cars while parked? Or ban dump trucks on the freeway that may sprinkle your car with sand or dirt? Or, I know. Let’s eliminate rain, sleet, snow and hail! My point is, you absolutely CANNOT eliminate everything from dumping something on your car.

Here’s a scenario. At sundown, while your car is parked in some form of shade, you can’t really see if your windshield has a film of dirt. Now, when you get onto the freeway, and you drive right into the sun that’s setting, that’s when you’ll see the glare and the dirt. I know you’ve been in this scenario like so many of us have. And guess what? You’re going to wipe the glare off your windshield so that you can see where you’re going. Norm Macaraeg Morgan Hill

A And today’s final word …

Q While some people might use their windshield spray to annoy tailgaters, I posit that most of us use the spray to clean our windshields. We live in the mountains, under the redwoods and drive dirt roads. While we clean our windshields at home and when we stop for gas, sometimes we need to clean them while driving, as when the road curves and we’re suddenly blinded by the sun. I would rather a driver spray a windshield than drive blind.

The touchiness of some people, on or off the road, is unfortunate. A little spray on a car is a big deal?

Bonnie Overgaard

A To many, it apparently is.