The black grilles they slide down over the windshield protect the windshield itself, but they don't cover the passenger and drivers side windows. They could quiite easily with the way they slide down, but they don't. Surely this is a bit of a design fault? Or is there a more obvious reason?
2007-06-02 00:10:27 · 7 answers · asked by YourLocalGP 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
If they covered the side windows the doors would be held shut and the occupants couldn't get out quickly either to escape an attack or to make an arrest. Also if the windscreen is damaged the vehicle is effectively immobilised, not so for the side windows, which may well be cut from something impact resistant like Makrolon polycarbonate. Easy to make for a flat window with no wipers.
2007-06-02 04:29:25 · answer #1 · answered by The original Peter G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's still possible to drive a car/van with side windows broken (I admit I wouldn't like to try driving through a riot with people lobbing bricks at me though the side windows, but if I had to...). With the view ahead obscured by cracks and smashed bits in the windscreen it's more difficult to escape or drive into a situation to rescue someone.
The vehicles are used to shield officers and public from danger, but offer little protection for those inside. You're better off getting out and standing behind the van if the situation gets really tricky or the van becomes undrivable. IF(and I realise this is rare in the UK) the vehicle or your team come under fire, being inside the van is not a sensible place. Brake discs and the engine block offer a much better protection than the sides or doors and windows, so get out and hide behind the wheels or engine. I've gone off the question a bit but....
2007-06-02 00:36:04 · answer #2 · answered by andrewrhysmansfield 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The side windows are probably made from perspex & are unlikely to break when hit. The windscreen on the other hand is made out of glass which will shatter if hit hard enough & the driver will need to see where he is going (so he doesn't run over any rioters!)
2007-06-02 10:13:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they mow people down while driving forward lol.
2007-06-02 00:21:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vans go forward or back not sideways.
2007-06-02 00:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by taxed till i die,and then some. 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's so they can have access to the McDonald's drive-thru.
These guys have to eat you know.
2007-06-02 00:27:43 · answer #6 · answered by This is my username 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They couldn't open the doors.
2007-06-02 00:14:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋