Yes, SUVs help you see further ahead but watch out for their blind spots

SUVs and crossovers are flooding the market and their taller height is one of the reasons buyers flock to them. With almost every brand offering at least one SUV model in their line-up, suffice to say that we won’t be seeing them leaving any time soon.

While the tall height is a boon to buyers who wanted a car with some presence on the road, that presence comes at a cost which is a larger blind spot area. We’ve covered before on what a blind-spot is in a previous article and what to look out for.

Also read: Get to know your car’s blind spots and avoid near collisions with other motorists

That said, an SUV is bigger than the Perodua Axias being used at driving schools, so probably awarding your freshly minted kid a large car for passing their driving test is not quite a good idea. But if you do think about getting one, here are some things you should know about an SUV’s blind-spot.

Also read: Are Malaysians responsible enough to be driving SUVs?

Compared to smaller sedans and hatchbacks, SUVs have a greater blind-spot area and this not only applies to the rear when changing lanes but rather the front as well.

You might notice that though you can see what’s ahead clearer in an SUV, you might have difficulties in judging where the hood of your vehicle might end.

According to a study done by Consumer Reports, the average sedan has a blind spot of nearly 4 m for the average-height driver, while the average SUV has a blind spot of 5.5 m. Of course, this figure differs depending on the driver’s height: the shorter they are, the greater the blind-spot area.

The opposite applies to the size of the SUV. A Honda HR-V, for instance would have a smaller blind-spot area compared to a Proton X70 or a Toyota Fortuner.

Also read: If SUVs are safer than sedans, how do you explain the Persona and HR-V toll crash?

Thankfully, most brand-new SUVs on sale in Malaysia offer some solutions to overcome their large blind-spot areas. Most of them are equipped with blind-spot monitors which help drivers to watch out for swerving Grabpanda delivery riders.

Also read: Your BSM might not be functioning properly due to these reasons

Besides, some SUVs and pick-up trucks also offer 360-degree cameras which are beneficial for manoeuvrability especially for beginner SUV owners. These cameras can also be fitted in the aftermarket too but we recommend to find a professional to have them installed.

Also read: General buying guide: 5 must-have features in a new car

Though cameras can certainly help to enhance what the driver can’t sometimes see, it is important to be alert with your surroundings. Be it changing lanes or making a tight U-turn, always remember to check your mirrors and look over your shoulder, not just relying solely on the driving aids.

Also read: Scrub away what you’ve learned about your side mirrors from driving school and try this instead!