THE Government is being urged to educate car drivers about the dangers of windscreen pillars that can temporarily obscure their vision of other road users, including motorcyclists.

The call comes from Bike magazine, owned by Fleet News’ parent company Emap Automotive, and campaigning organisation Safe Speed.

An article warning of the problem is featured in the September issue. Bike news editor Rich Beach said it was vital all road users were aware of the dangers of screen pillar blind spots.

He said: ‘The next step is to get the Department for Transport to air an educational campaign on television and get the message out there.

‘There is greater potential to cut road deaths and pedestrian casualties by making drivers aware of their reduced vision, than by making us all watch our speedos.’

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: ‘Car manufacturers should do all they can to minimise blind spots caused by A-pillars.

‘But drivers must also take the time to look properly at junctions and move their heads so they can see into any blind spot created by the A-pillar to make sure there isn’t another vehicle or two-wheeler hidden from their first glance.’