The threat of large A pillars

[very-near]

Now that Euro NCap are taking more interest in the safety of pedestrians (and presumably cyclists), it would be useful if they marked down cars for having large A pillars, or anything else that reduces visibility. I wonder if they already do, or if they would be able to be convinced to add it to future versions of NCap.

N-cap only seem to be interested in the strength of construction, and not the practicalities of driving.

Have you looked out of the back of a new Astra lately. It is like trying to see past the wing on a Lambo

 

[ron4322]

The latest requirements for a 5 star Euro NCAP include a requirement that most cars in the range should be fitted with ESP. This is putting the emphasis on avoiding an accident in the first place, and not just the physical crash protection that we usually associate with Euro NCAP.

If they think it worthwhile to fit ESP to avoid a crash, then it only seems reasonable to include good visibility as part of a safe design. The drive to improve crash protection has in the past led to such things as thick A pillars, so it would redress the balance a bit if good visibility were to be made part of a good NCAP rating.

It would be helpful if Euro NCAP were to include visibility as part of their assessment of a vehicles safety.

 

[GrasB]

NCAP imosho is a load of BS anyway... my knowledge of friends in 2 serious car accidents both resulted the lesser injuries to the occupants of the lower rated car.

Back on topic, I drove a MPV rental car (Zafira I think) for a few days & I have to say while I knew there was a serious blind spot due to the A pillar it took me about 4 driving hours to realise how damn huge it was. It could obscure a smaller transit class van under certain circumstances at junctions.

 

[HJ]

I consider an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

All accidents are going to hurt irrespective of what they are made of. Better the drivers see you before they pull out on you isn't it !

But we all know, drivers don't always look, so should the cars look for them?