If you’ve ever felt like something was blocking your view while turning a corner, chances are you’ve already met the windscreen pillars. These seemingly small parts of your car’s design can play a surprisingly big role in both safety and visibility.

But what exactly are windscreen pillars, and when do they cause obstruction to your view? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can understand their importance, the risks they pose, and what you can do to stay safe behind the wheel.

What Are Windscreen Pillars?

Windscreen pillars, often referred to as A-pillars, are the vertical supports located on either side of your car’s front windscreen. They connect the roof to the body of the vehicle, creating the frame that holds the windscreen securely in place.

In most cars, you’ll find:

• A-pillars – at the front, beside the windscreen

• B-pillars – between the front and rear doors

• C-pillars – towards the rear window

The focus here is on the A-pillars (windscreen pillars) since they directly affect what you see when driving.

When Do Windscreen Pillars Cause Obstruction?

The main issue with windscreen pillars is that they can block part of a driver’s field of vision, especially during specific driving situations.

Here’s when they’re most likely to cause obstruction:

1. Turning at junctions or roundabouts – Pedestrians, cyclists, or even another car can be hidden behind the pillar.

2. Driving on bends – The angle of the pillar can create a blind spot on sharp curves.

3. Overtaking or lane changing – Large or thick pillars can temporarily hide smaller vehicles.

4. Rain or fog conditions – Visibility is already reduced, and the obstruction feels worse.

When Do Windscreen Pillars Cause a Serious Obstruction to Your View?

A minor obstruction becomes a serious hazard when it puts you at risk of missing critical road users. For example:

• A child stepping onto a crossing hidden behind the A-pillar

• A motorcyclist in your blind spot at an intersection

• Another car pulling out while your view is blocked

Modern cars are often built with thicker pillars to meet strict crash safety standards. While that makes the car stronger in a rollover accident, it also increases the likelihood of dangerous blind spots.

Why Car Manufacturers Can’t Simply Make Them Smaller

It might seem logical to design thinner windscreen pillars for better visibility. However, the pillars also:

• Strengthen the car’s structure during crashes

• Support airbags and electronic sensors

• Provide a mounting point for windscreens

So, manufacturers constantly face a balance between safety and visibility. Some modern cars use smart solutions like reshaped pillars or cameras to reduce the problem.

How Drivers Can Reduce Risks from Windscreen Pillars

While you can’t redesign your car, there are practical steps you can take to minimize the danger:

• Move your head slightly – A small shift in position can reveal hidden pedestrians or vehicles.

• Double-check at junctions – Look twice before committing to a turn.

• Slow down near crossings – Anticipate the possibility of hidden pedestrians.

• Keep windscreens clean – Dirt and condensation can worsen visibility issues.

FAQs About Windscreen Pillars

Q1: What is windscreen pillars in a car?
Windscreen pillars, or A-pillars, are the vertical supports framing the sides of your front windscreen. They provide structural strength but can obstruct vision.

Q2: When do windscreen pillars cause obstruction to your view?
They often block vision at junctions, roundabouts, bends, or when overtaking—hiding pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles.

Q3: When do windscreen pillars cause a serious obstruction to your view?
When they prevent you from spotting vulnerable road users like children, motorcyclists, or cyclists in time to react safely.

Q4: Are all cars affected the same way?
No. The thickness, angle, and design of pillars vary between cars. Some vehicles have wider blind spots than others.

Q5: Can technology help reduce pillar blind spots?
Yes. Some modern cars use cameras, sensors, or redesigned pillars to improve visibility without compromising safety.

Conclusion: Stay Aware, Stay Safe

Windscreen pillars may seem like a small detail in car design, but they can make a big difference in visibility and safety. While they provide essential strength and crash protection, they also create blind spots that drivers must actively manage.