Driving in a burka

[MrHappyCyclist]

Irrespective of the contentious issue of whether people should be expected to allow others to see their face in public, I do wonder whether we ought to be concerned about people driving whilst dressed in this manner. Never having worn such a thing myself, I have no idea whether there really is an issue, but I do see more and more people driving whilst wearing them.

It became an issue for me a few days ago, when I was riding in the first lane and a car in the second lane started to move across into me. I sounded the air horn and they immediately stopped coming across, slowed down and went across behind me to get to a left-turn lane. It was only when they came past on my left that I noticed the driver was wearing a burka, with only a tiny slit to allow the eyes to see out.

I must add that I have, of course, had similar experiences with drivers who did not have anything on their heads.

 

[ferret fur]

it's easier than cycling in one

 

[thomas]

well. Burkas are worn by women...and we all know what women drivers are like

Wearing a Burka isn't going to make you miss something you don't look for, so I don't think it's really any dangerous.

 

[Jezston]

They don't restrict sight.

 

[gambatte]

well. Burkas are worn by women...

So we're told.... how do you know?

 

[asterix]

Apparently Nuns' habits make them dangerous drivers.

 

[skudupnorth]

I'll give it a go tonight

 

[LosingFocus]

It was only when they came past on my left that I noticed the driver was wearing a burka, with only a tiny slit to allow the eyes to see out.

Sure it wasnt a ninja assassin? I would be careful opening doors and using alleys for the foreseeable...

 

[slowmotion]

I suspect it very much depends on the style of burka. With one like this, the wearer is going to lose a lot of peripheral vision...

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...e=3&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:21,s:46&tx=136&ty=74

 

[gavintc]

Having just googled what a burka is, I find that the burka is the full version with just a screen to look through. So, yes, it would restrict vision:

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...IWbOqmzseQB&page=1&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0

 

[Mad at urage]

Having just googled what a burka is, I find that the burka is the full version with just a screen to look through. So, yes, it would restrict vision:

http://www.google.co...=1t:429,r:6,s:0

Nah, you've gotta be wrong!

I suspect it very much depends on the style of burka. With one like this, the wearer is going to lose a lot of peripheral vision...

http://www.google.co...46&tx=136&ty=74

Definitely won't 'cos

They don't restrict sight.

 

[germanicdogman]

after seeing this vid (not mine) i would say yes
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=CZTCxNlMwgo

 

[Banjo]

I find the big advantage when I wear mine is nobody notices if I am on the mobile and the Mrs doesnt nag me for not shaving.

 

[gambatte]

I also think driving in a burqa can be distracting for other road users:
linky

 

[BlackPanther]

This item of clothing is close fitting around the eyes/nose and would badly restrict vision, so of couse it should not be permitted whilst driving. However, political correctness completely over powers common sense......so what if a few cyclists get taken out by people effectively driving 1/2 blind?