A study to minimize 'A'-pillar blind spot in cars

Abstract

A significant proportion of accidents happen at junctions worldwide with many involving vulnerable road users like cyclists, pedestrians etc. Many of these accidents happen because drivers did not see the vulnerable road users. This is due to the presence of the A-pillar found in cars and its thickness has increased over the years. The reason for the increased thickness over the years is to fortify the structural cage of the cars, protecting the occupants inside. As such, the blind spot caused by the A-pillar gets bigger. With car population set to increase two times by 2040, accidents should also increase twice statistically. This study investigates the effect of the A-pillar blind spot and what can be done to reduce or eliminate the blind spots. The solution proposals seek to help drivers check the blind spot passively without requiring them to look around the A-pillar. The author hopes that more vulnerable road users may be seen by drivers (so less deaths and injuries) and for drivers to avoid legal tussles associated with traffic accidents.