A-pillar blind spot

[oc63rag]

We have a 2012 Sonata and my wife is having a hard time with the blind spot created by the a-pillar and mirror. She has come close to hitting two pedestrians now even after carefully checking both ways. I was not with her when this occurred but she is generally careful so I don't think she was just being careless/not paying attention.
Has anyone else noticed this and, if so, what have you done to minimize the risk of pulling out or turning when it's not safe to do so?
She went from a large SUV with tons of visibility to the Sonata with what I would call very limited visibility. The door sills are very high, the window openings are very small and the pillars/mirrors take up a large amount of space so with all these variables combined, she's having a hard time.
Any help would be much appreciated.

[jglopic]

I have to say that I don't have that much of a problem with the Sonata A-pillar and mirror creating blind spots. That said, I like a higher-than-most driving position, so I have the seat up pretty high. Therefore, I look down to see the mirror. I actually picked this driving position for leg comfort on long trips (not that I do that many in my Sonata), but perhaps that is part of the difference in visibility between us?

[Smutty]

Nor would I say that there is a big problem for me; however I'm a pretty big guy (6'2"). I have my seat quite low as well. I have driven some cars that I have a hard time seeing people on the other side of the A-pillar. Tell her to move the seat into a position as jglopic suggested; a bit higher up and I'm going to say a little more forward. Don't eat the wheel but that will give her a better position to see past the pillar. If there is someone hidden behind it they'll be further away from the car (due to the viewing angle being blocked).

[zumzool]

I've noticed this problem when checking the passenger side for on coming cars. Especially when the car is on s hill at an upward angle because the a pillar gets more horizontal. Tst srea along with the huge freakin mirrors blocks the view. I usually just remain careful and move my head around the pillar but it's made more difficult when there is a passenger in the way.

No easy solve other than being more careful.

[mk9750]

I've not noticed the mirrors being an issue, but the pillars definately are. The pillars between the front and rear door are also a bit of an issue to me, too. I've had my Sonata for about three months (hey - 3 months today!). I just figured it's something I am going to have to learn to work around.

[lovemysantafe]

I've had the same issue with my Elantra because the A-pillars are freakin' massive! Before I go to pull out, I always look around them through the windshield and side window because they've hidden an entire Ford Explorer before.

[CHiSEEN]

The A pillars are massive. I've learned to adjust to this but I've had a few close moments before I got used to them.

[Danno]

Classic uninteneded consequenses when improved safety with air bags in A pillars and stronger A pillars for improved rollover protection may cause reduced safety because the pillars are thicker.

[DVDDave]

The Sonata has many blind spots...I agree with the OP....

[11SonataScott]

Originally Posted by Danno

Classic uninteneded consequenses when improved safety with air bags in A pillars and stronger A pillars for improved rollover protection may cause reduced safety because the pillars are thicker.

+1
This is an industry trend. The 5 star safety rating is a big selling point. The A-pillars will soon get a little smaller again with the use of more exotic high strength steels and the next generation of air bags. This will add cost to vehicles so expect to see it first in the already expensive upscale luxury sedans.