Vehicle Visibility Isn't What It Used To Be
- Selina Paul
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
If you drive, you probably have plenty of experience dealing with blind spots. Most of us are familiar with the way other vehicles can disappear from our sight and our mirrors, or the sensation of having to brake for a vehicle that seems to appear out of nowhere. While the dangers of blind spots are well understood, they also seem to belong to a less technological driving era. We are living in a new age of vehicle tech and design, where the latest car models are outfitted with all sorts of cameras and sensors. Surely vehicle visibility has improved too, right?
The answer, shockingly, is no. Not only that, research suggests that driver visibility has actually gotten worse. According to a recent study by the Department of Transportation, the blind zones of today’s vehicles are significantly bigger than they were 25 years ago.
A Blind Spot in Modern Design
The Department of Transportation found that, for top-selling passenger vehicles, 10-meter forward visibility has declined with each generation, with current drivers experiencing the greatest decline.
A driver in a 2022 Honda CR‑V sees about 40% less of the road in front of them than a driver in the 1997 model.
The authors of the study say larger vehicle hoods, thick A-pillars, and bigger side-view mirrors are to blame. These features do provide benefits that improve driver safety, as stronger frames and larger crumple zones keep occupants well protected in a crash, but they also make it easier for road users outside the cab to disappear from view.
Large vehicles, especially SUVs, are incredibly popular, and the demand for them shows no signs of abating any time soon. Part of their appeal comes from their increased elevation, which suggests a more commanding view of the road. Instead, the opposite is proving to be true, which is a big cause for concern.
Pedestrians at Risk
Declining visibility behind the wheel may shed some light on another phenomenon, which is the increase in pedestrian accidents, despite advances in vehicle technology.
Over the 25-year study period, pedestrian fatalities rose by 37% and cyclist fatalities rose by up to 42%.
An increase in the size of blind zones in newer vehicles is not the sole factor behind this increase. Cell phone use, population growth, and poor urban infrastructure are also likely to play a role. However, the less visible pedestrians are to drivers, the higher their crash risk. Many maneuvers, like left turns, rely heavily on a driver’s ability to spot oncoming pedestrians from various angles in order to avoid dangerous collisions. The wide A-pillar in some modern vehicles can completely hide a pedestrian or cyclist from view at this wrong moment, significantly increasing the risk of a potentially fatal crash.
Shared Responsibility on the Road
Raising awareness of the impact that modern vehicles can have on the size of blind spots is crucial. Without this knowledge, drivers may not realize that driving a newer vehicle, and especially a large SUV, requires extra vigilance. If you are driving a newer vehicle model, make sure you take the time to learn the extent of your blind spots, and always check them before undertaking a maneuver.
Aside from this, there are some solid road‑safety habits that you can adopt to increase your safety behind the wheel.
Avoid distractions like cell phones or headphones while driving. This will help keep you alert and aware of potential dangers as they arise. Whenever you are approaching an intersection or crosswalk, look out for people entering at the last second or running to cross before you start accelerating. Make sure you also give extra time and space to vulnerable road users, like children, seniors, and people with mobility aids.
Blind zones are a part of driving. While high-tech vehicles may make us feel invincible behind the wheel, it’s important to understand their limitations and retain the safe driving habits that have been keeping drivers safe for generations. Staying aware of blind spots, and adjusting how you drive to accommodate them, helps keep everyone safe. Visibility is a shared responsibility, no matter what type of vehicle you are driving.
Sources:
Comments