Longitudinal Analysis of Forward Blind Zone Changes in Popular Vehicle Models (1997–2023)

Background. In 2022, vulnerable road user (VRU) deaths in the United States increased to their highest level in more than 40 years. At the same time, increasing vehicle size and taller front ends may contribute to larger forward blind zones, but little is known about the role that visual occlusion may play in this trend. Goal. Researchers measured the blind zones of six top-selling light-duty vehicle models (one pickup truck, three SUVs, and two passenger cars) across multiple redesign cycles (1997–2023) to determine whether the blind zones were getting larger. Method. To quantify the blind zones, the markerless method developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was used to calculate the occluded and visible areas at ground level in the forward 180° arc around the driver at ranges of 10 m and 20 m. Results. In the 10-m forward radius nearest the vehicle, outward visibility declined in all six vehicle models measured across time. The SUV models showed up to a 58% reduction in visibility within a 10 m radius. Other vehicles exhibited smaller (7%–19%) reductions. At longer distances (10 m–20 m), vehicles demonstrated both increases and decreases in visibility. Conclusion. The markerless method provides a straightforward and replicable assessment of driver visibility. The observed decrease in direct outward visibility near the vehicles points to the need for further study regarding this trend, including analysis of the repeatability and viability of the measurement technique.