The A-pillars are the two structures, or frame, that support the front windshield. To meet consumer demand for more safety, they have grown thicker to provide airbags and provide greater structural integrity. Unfortunately, that increasing thickness may have created a new hazard.The hazard, called the “A-spot”, is a blindspot created by the A-pillars. They block the driver’s view as he or she looks to the sides. According to reports, the A-spot can obscure up to 15 feet of a driver’s view.
Vehicles with the best (least) A-spot to the worse include:
- Audi A4
- Peugeot 306
- Ford Fiesta, 1998
- Toyota Corolla Verso
- BMW 320
- Mercedes CLK
- Ford Focus
- Toyota Prius
- Ford Fiesta, 2006
- VW Beetle
- Porsche Boxster
- Vauxhall Vectra
- VW Golf
- Ford Mondeo
- Seat Leon
- Vauxhall Astra
- Ford Focus C-Max
- Citroen Xsara Picasso
- Land Rover Freelander
- Jeep Cherokee
The size of each A-spot can be found at the article. Our take? It’s an interesting premise. Automakers are aware of the issue and are looking to develop stronger but thinner A-pillars as well as “transparent” ones. We’d also like to see research into how many accidents are possibly caused by driver’s inability to see because of the A-spot.
Via Motoring
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