Effect of A pillars in vehicles on interchange safety

In this study, the blind spots formed by the A-pillar used for safety requirements in vehicles were examined. These columns, which prevent the drivers' vision in traffic, especially at intersection approaches, endanger traffic safety. The speed and visibility relations between two vehicles approaching the same intersection in the same period were examined. A scenario was created on the speed values of the vehicle with rightof-way at an uncontrolled intersection and the restriction of its vision. In this scenario, simulations were constructed between the speed of the vehicle that did not see the other vehicle. In the scenario, nine different simulations were obtained with the vehicle in three different segments and the driver with three different characteristics. According to the results of the study, a direct relationship was found between the thickness of the A column and the restriction of vision. Different results were obtained according to the sitting positions of the drivers in the vehicle. As the cross-sectional length of the A-pillar increases and the distance of the driver to the pillar decreases, the driver's field of view decreases at the same rate. This situation causes traffic accidents, especially at intersections. The A-pillar primarily affects the field of view in the most used front part of the vehicle. Since the intersection areas are the areas where right and left turns are frequently used in traffic, the blind spots formed by the A column should be taken into account when investigating the accidents that occur at the intersections. The ergonomic design parameters of the A-pillar are a subject that should be examined for future studies. In this study, it is focused on determining the minimum speed values by avoiding a possible collision. Key Words: A pillar, Blind spot in vehicles, Traffic safety, Traffic safety at junctions, Visibility in vehicles, Vehicle pillars