The danger of blind zones continues

Despite all the windows and mirrors, you can't see everything around your car. Every vehicle has a blind zone immediately behind the rear bumper. It can be five feet, or 50 feet, depending on the car's styling. In that space might lurk a toy, pet, or even a child.

Within a vehicle class, the size of this blind zone can vary widely. We measure the blind zone behind our test vehicles and have recently updated that information on our Web site.  

In general, pickups and larger SUVs have longer rear blind zones than sedans. That's not to say that all sedans are created equal; while a high rear deck improves aerodynamics and luggage space, it adds to the blind zone.

Rear cameras are a powerful tool that allow you to see into that otherwise-hidden area behind the car. Happily, cameras are becoming available on more and more vehicles. Some now don't require buying a lot of options (like a navigation system, which would provide a screen) to get them. Aftermarket cameras are also available and their cost and ease-of-installation has been improving. Even a small screen, like one in the rearview mirror (found in the aftermarket and on some new Mazdas, Fords, and Hondas), can alert you to unseen hazards.

Regardless of the vehicle you're driving, here are some tips to help improve rear vision:

—Remember that when we conduct this testing, it's in a "best case" situation. It's daytime. It's not raining or snowing. We know there is an obstacle there—no surprises. We're not in a hurry, running late for work or an appointment. We look around vehicle impediments, like rear wipers or high-mounted brake lights. In other words: in the real world, you need to take the time to look carefully behind you and use the most of the view you're given.

That goes for rear-view cameras, as well. Even if you purchase the technology (which we recommend you do), you still need to make sure that you check that screen before you start backing up. Every time. No exceptions.

If you have a camera, you shouldn't stare at the screen when backing up. Check the screen, but then go to scanning the area behind the car as you reverse. Remember that hazards can move behind the car, changing the situation from when you began.

—An asset in improving rear visibility: a height-adjustable driver's seat. Our "short" 5'1" tester finds that being able to raise the seat (while retaining a comfortable driving position) improves visibility.

—If you have a SUV or minivan with three rows of seats, consider lowering the rear row if you have no one sitting there. We've found that putting that third row up often blocks at least a portion of the rear window. (In the Jeep Commander, it nearly blocks the entire window.)

—The same goes for rear head restraints in any type of vehicle. If no one is sitting back there, lower the head restraints fully. 

Finally, rear blind zones aren't the entire picture when it comes to visibility problems. A back-up camera works well when reversing, but what about the rest of the time you're driving? Styling trends promoting small rear windows and thick roof pillars cause big blind zones that make it tough when passing or changing lanes or maneuvering in the city or parking lots. This is an increasing trend that we note in our vehicle reviews. Frankly, it's a trend we'd like to see reversed.

—Tom Mutchler

Also read:
Best and worst rear blind zones
Scion xB's visibility
Blind eye to visibility, blame it on the Murano