Vehicle front visibility has drastically decreased over the past few decades, putting pedestrians, cyclists, and especially young children at risk.
Recent studies reveal that the evolution of automotive design, coupled with the pursuit of greater robustness and structural safety, has impaired the driver’s field of vision. A new technique developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showed that in several popular models, such as the Honda CR-V, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Suburban, the visible area in front of the car has significantly decreased since the 1990s. In some cases, visibility has dropped from 68% to just 28%.
Researchers from the U.S. Department of Transportation used this methodology to evaluate successive generations of vehicles produced between 1997 and 2023. The study indicated that higher hoods and wider front columns (A) are the main factors behind the deterioration of visibility.
The problem is exacerbated in SUVs and pickup trucks, whose generous dimensions and elevated front height prevent drivers from seeing clearly what is directly in front of the vehicle, even at short distances. Despite the adoption of technologies like cameras and sensors, physical obstacles to visibility remain.
In Europe, a study conducted by Loughborough University in partnership with the Transport & Environment (T&E) organization showed that the design of these vehicles poses a real threat to children. Since many children are under 1.2 meters tall, they become invisible in the front field of vision of models like the RAM TRX or the Land Rover Defender. In contrast, smaller cars, such as hatchbacks, offer a much broader and safer field of view. According to T&E, about one-third of the 430 children who die annually in road accidents in Europe are run over by large vehicles at low speeds.
In light of this situation, the organization is calling for the European Union to adopt new regulations by 2027. Among the proposals are a legal limit of 85 cm for the hood height of new vehicles and mandatory child visibility tests in real-life situations.
Although manufacturers adhere to current standards and equip their cars with safety technologies, experts argue that preventing risks starts with the basics: ensuring that the driver can see what is right in front of their eyes.
Source: Olhar Digital / Car and Drive | Photo: Unsplash | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
