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In September 2009 a report was published that helps explain part of the reason behind the overwhelming prevalence of motorbike accidents on the United Kingdom's roads.
Autoglass® asked MIRA (the Motor Industry Research Association) to assess the level of driver vision in a variety of models of cars and vans; the results were startling.
The tests considered the degree of blindness caused by the A-pillar at 23 metres distance from another vehicle; 23 metres is the typical distance required to stop when a vehicle is travelling at just 30mph.
There was some good news; various models, including the, Ford Mondeo, Ford Focus, VW Golf, Vauxhall Vectra and Toyota Prius have improved "A-spot" visibility since the second most recent tests. Nigel Dogget, Autoglass® ‘s managing director comments, "We are encouraged to see that the research we carried out in 2006 has had an impact on manufacturers and that four out of the five cars tested now have thinner A-Pillars.
However, a number of vehicles, particularly vans, performed very badly in the assessments. For example, the Ford Transit had an A-pillar blind spot of 6.4 metres, sufficiently large to completely obscure two motorcycles.
Doggett believes that the results highlight the need for van drivers to exercise especial caution. "As a large van fleet operator we tested vans this time to highlight that their A-Pillars can have a detrimental effect on the driver's vision, by creating blind spots that pose a real threat to other road users.
"Apart from the thousands of everyday van drivers in the UK, for many motorists, getting into a van may be something they do only once or twice a year, when moving house, or going off to University, so it is vital that every driver takes extra care to ensure they've seen all of the hazards around them before setting off," he said.
Commentators note that the poor level of A-pillar visibility is particularly worrying given that "failing to look properly" is the most common causes of both serious personal injuries and fatalities in UK road crashes.
Adrian Walsh, director of RoadSafe, says that more needs to be done to avoid A-pillar-attributable motorbike accidents.
"Drivers have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with their vehicle and must ensure their own safety, that of their passengers and, most importantly, other road users, particularly cyclists and motorcyclists; looking out for both rear and forward facing blind spots. The latest report shows that A-Pillar blind spots need to be acknowledged in every vehicle, and the guidance offered by Autoglass® should be noted," he said.
Specialist motorbike accident compensation solicitors
Instead of offering a strictly "no win, no fee" personal injury service, YouClaim is able to offer riders representation that, win or lose, is free of all possible charges.
Our motorbike accident solicitors are among the very best in the UK and are carefully selected from only leading firms governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
We also protect the claimant from liability for all costs emanating from the opponent and, with our no cuts promise, deliver 100 percent compensation directly to all our successful clients.
If you believe that your motorcycling-related injuries are attributable to the actions, whether by inattention or recklessness, of another party, it may be possible to claim compensation for your losses.
Our advisors, available online or over the telephone, can help you determine whether it might be in your interests to proceed with a motorbike accident claim.
Use our echat window, complete an online claim form or call us now, on 0800 10 757 95.
We will do our very best to help you.
