Poor driver vision contributes to thousands of collisions each year across the country. Some of these collisions could have been avoided if motorists were more aware of their vehicle's blind spots and adjusted their driving behaviour.
Reversing Visibility Index
Our Reversing Visibility Index measures how well a driver can see out of the back of a car. We created the world's first index following the deaths of 17 children in 3.5 years from reversing cars in driveways in NSW.
With testing, we found all cars have a "blind area" that could easily hide a child. A reversing camera can greatly improve visibility for all types of vehicles, from 4WDs to small sedans.
Driver Vision Index
NRMA Insurance developed a world-first Driver Vision Index to measure blind spots in Australia's top selling cars.
Not only does this help you choose a safer car, but we shared the results with car manufacturers so they can consider this research in future vehicle designs.
Did you know?
- Vehicle blind spots can block out around 30% of a motorist's view of the road.
- Driver vision is one area where new isn't always better. Some modern vehicle designs compared poorly against older cars that featured discrete, thin and almost vertical front pillars.
- In Australia every week, one child is run over in the driveway of their home.*
- More than a third of pedestrians aged under six killed in motor vehicle crashes are struck down 'off road' in yards, car parks and driveways.**
**Williamson, Ann et.al (2002) Analysis of motor vehicle related fatalities involving children under the age of 6 years (1995-2000).