Car visibility sinks into the sunset

Dec 17, 2009 1:30 PM

Backup cameras and audible reverse warnings have become increasingly common on new vehicles during the past decade. Any new device or design feature that increases automotive safety is undeniably a good thing. What is disturbing is why these devices have become so necessary.

It’s getting harder to see out of so many new car and SUV designs, with recent styling trends dictating thick pillars, low rooflines, high beltlines, and smaller windows—all of which restrict visibility.

Our recently tested Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus are two prime examples of this. Restyled for 2010, the Taurus went from being a large, airy sedan with excellent visibility – if somewhat unexciting to look at – to one with a high beltline, and a cocoon-like interior environment some testers found bordering on claustrophobic. Ditto the redesigned LaCrosse, which adds massively thick A-pillars to the list of offenses. The lack of visibility in both is especially disappointing because otherwise, they’re both very good cars that scored well in our testing. (Pictures show the Ford Taurus.)

A cocoon-like environment may make some drivers feel safer and more protected, and swooping rooflines do, arguably, give stylists latitude for more distinctive designs. Thicker pillars may also make a car look stronger and more substantial. Designers could be cut some slack if thick pillars and small windows did in fact make for better protection for occupants in the event of a rollover. But that’s not necessarily true.

The Insurance Industry for Highway Safety recently added a roof crush component to its safety rating system for new vehicles, and the results are interesting.

The Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V are two of our top-rated small SUVs. The Forester, with relatively thin pillars, large windows and very good visibility, received a “Good” rating from the IIHS, the best score possible. The CR-V, with thicker pillars and smaller glass area, was rated “Marginal.”

In fairness, both the Taurus and the LaCrosse also scored “Good” for roof strength. In fact, they’re the only cars in the class the IIHS has put through these newest safety tests. It will be interesting to see what results are like as more vehicles with different designs are tested.

Styling trends come and go, so there’s still hope. Seeing the world and your fellow motorists is a beautiful thing, so I’m hoping this little trend soon passes. But backup cameras are here to stay, and we’re glad to have them. If it gets to the point that we need cameras for the front and side, I’ll stay home and watch TV.

—Jim Travers