4x4 blind spots a danger to cyclists and pedestrians

THICK structural supports in 4x4 windscreens create a blind spot for drivers and pose a huge road safety hazard, a new report published yesterday revealed.

With a recent Trinity College Dublin study revealing such vehicles are twice as likely as cars to be involved in fatal pedestrian accidents, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said the findings presented a big safety risk.

According to the Society of Motor Insurance in Ireland almost one in 10 new cars bought here is a 4x4.

In 2006, 233,727 cars were bought in Ireland according to the Central Statistics Office, meaning 23,000 4x4s hit the road last year alone.

With 105,207 cars bought in the first quarter of this year alone, the number of the potentially lethally blind-spotted vehicles continues to rise.

Research conducted by Autoglass found supporting posts on either side of 4x4 windshields are twice as large as typical saloon cars and can obscure pedestrians or cyclists from motorists’ view.

“Blind spots present a real hazard as they obstruct a driver’s vision and possibly hide the presence of another road user”, RSA CEO Noel Brett said.

The findings reveal many of the popular 4x4 models sold in the South last year have these ‘A-Pillar’ blind spots. “Because of their size, 4x4 vehicles require thicker A-Pillars than smaller vehicles in order to maintain their structural strength,” said General Manager of Autoglass in Ireland Rolfe Deppe.

“This has had a detrimental effect on driver vision, with the creation of significant blind spots that pose a real threat to other road users.

“Thousands of 4x4 drivers remain unaware of the dangers posed by giant A-Pillar blind spots... and must adapt their driving habits to compensate.

“By pausing and looking around the A-Pillars at junctions, roundabouts and when parking, 4x4 drivers can help reduce the risk of hitting other vehicles and pedestrians,” he added.

Many SUV drivers cite safety concerns as a reason for buying the big, expensive vehicles, believing bigger is safer. However, the European New Car Assessment Programme, which carries out crash tests, found many 4x4’s offer no more protection to occupants than the saloons.