Sometime between 1998 and 2008 the Buick line, and almost all other lines, enlarged the size of the columns supporting the roof, modified the front side windows to add a small triangle of material at the front of the windows, and raised the height of the side mirrors and raised the height of the "dash" above the instrument cluster. I am in excess of 6 ft tall and this had little impact on my field of vision. My wife is less than 5 ft and age is taking a toll on both of us and this has a severe impact on her field of vision, even with the use of booster pillows. The current models have the same design flaw, except for the Honda civic and the Ford Fusion. I have personally "tested" this condition by locating myself at an intersection where several crashes, some fatal, and "scrooching" down as best I could to simulate a 5 ft person with the seat at its max height, and there is a critical loss of visibility, particularly to the right. There were three crashes, all involved seniors, that were in a collision because they proceeding, after stopping, to cross the intersection in front of oncoming traffic. I heartily support your proposal to develop some type of recommendations, or "rating", for vehicles that are the most appropriate for seniors. Thank you.

- Jefferson City, MO, USA

I was stopped with engine running and air conditioner fan on high. I turned the wipers on to clean windshield. Immediately I was overcome with extreme burning in my eyes I could not open them. I reached for door handle and got out. I was in a panic, having no idea what happened. I asked 2 people for help, the second person came to my car and we searched car for something burning and found nothing. I was afraid to get back into my car.I have never experienced a burning in my eyes as this. I felt helpless because no one witnessed this freak incident. Finally I used wet paper towels and covered all the ac vents and drove home in fear that it was going to happen again. There is no doubt what so ever if I was driving when this happened I would of crashed. I could not see. When tubing broke the fluid landed on a hot engine paet and the water evaporated and the methanol vapors came through the ac vents directly into my face. The Buick dealer didn't mention or discuss this plastic tubing be replaced. He just put a piece of rubber to hold the ends of broken plastic tubing. Im very uncomfortable using wipers now because as I mentioned if it were to happen while driving I might as well be blind. I want to know if the tubing is not suppose to ever break and more so, why did it come through the ac vents that was on high.?

- Lees Summit, MO, USA