A blind spot is an area of the road outside the driver's field of vision that cannot be seen in the rearview mirrors or through the windows. The taller and longer the vehicle, the bigger the blind spots.
A blind spot is an area of the road outside the driver's field of vision that cannot be seen in the rear-view mirrors or through the windows.
In general, the taller and longer the vehicle, the bigger the blind spots.
All types of vehicles feature pillars that create blind spots, not only SUVs or heavy vehicles. A smaller vehicle with narrower pillars, but with a shorter distance between the driver and the steering wheel, may also create blind spots that can hide other road users. For that reason, it is important to familiarize yourself with the blind spots created by the pillars of the vehicle you are driving, especially if it is a new vehicle.
Blind spots are all around vehicles, but their size and location vary according to the type of vehicle. The main blind spots are located in front, at the rear, on the sides and behind the windshield pillars of the vehicle.
The pillars on either side of the windshield hold the windshield to the vehicle.
The shape and the width of the pillars, as well as the distance between the driver and the steering wheel, have a significant impact on the size and position of the blind spots that are created.
The pillars can create blind spots for both left and right turns, and vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, moped or scooter drivers, motorcyclists) may be invisible during much of the turn.
There are also other blind spots, such as those caused by rearview mirrors and pillars on either side of the windshield.
Some types of vehicles, such as tool vehicles and vehicles fitted with auxiliary equipment (e.g. snowblowers, snowplows, etc.) can have additional blind spots. When you are near one of these vehicles, be careful!
Transcript : Heavy Vehicle Blind Spots – Automobiles (in French only)
The videos and radio ads on this page are provided for consultation purposes only.
Last update: June 4, 2022