Improve your Rear Visability for Safer Reversing
Modern vehicle designs prioritise style and aerodynamics, but this often comes at the cost of rear visibility. Smaller rear windows, higher boot lids, and rear head restraints can create blind spots, making reversing more challenging and increasing the risk of accidents. Understanding your car’s limitations and using available safety features can help you confidently navigate these challenges.
Why This Matters
Poor rear visibility can lead to dangerous reversing incidents, such as reversing into other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians, especially when small children are hidden from view. Knowing your vehicle’s blind spots and using driver-assist technology effectively can significantly reduce risks of accidents.
What Affects Rear Visability?
- Vehicle Design – Many modern cars have smaller rear windows, higher boot lids, and larger rear head restraints, limiting drivers’ ability to see behind them.
- Blind Spots – SUVs and higher-riding vehicles often have larger blind spots compared to smaller cars.
Improving Rear Visibility
Reversing Cameras and Sensors
- Vehicles equipped with reversing cameras and sensors help drivers see more of what’s behind them.
- These features are especially useful in detecting low-lying objects and small children that might not be visible through the rear window.
How Rear Visability is Assessed
Rear visibility is assessed by testing how much of a small child-sized object the driver can see from their seat. A laser device, positioned at the driver’s eye level, maps out the areas visible through the rear window. Based on these results, vehicles receive a rating from zero to five stars, reflecting their rear visibility and the effectiveness of their safety technology.
Minimising Your Risk
- Always check your mirrors and physically look behind you before
reversing. - Make full use of reversing cameras and sensors if your car has them.
- Be extra cautious in areas with pedestrians, especially where
children may be present.
While advanced safety features are helpful, they can’t replace the importance of an attentive driver. Always check your blind spots, be aware of your surroundings, and reverse with confidence to ensure a safer driving experience for everyone.