The pillars beside a car's windscreen are part of its structure, but they also interrupt the driver's view. A cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian can be difficult to notice when their position lines up with a pillar. A quick glance may therefore give an incomplete picture of the road.
Where the problem matters most
Bends and junctions change the angle between your vehicle and other road users. A person who appears hidden on one glance may become visible when you check from a slightly different position. Reduce speed appropriately, keep control and make careful observations rather than assuming that an empty-looking view means the road is clear.
Highway Code Rule 170 tells drivers to take extra care at junctions and look all around before emerging. It highlights cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians because they are not always easy to see. The pillar example is one reason that this all-round check matters.
Build a complete view
- Approach at a speed that allows time to observe and respond.
- Look carefully around the pillar's obstruction as part of your checks.
- Check again when the view changes; do not rely on a single glance.
- Wait until there is a gap large enough to emerge safely.
When turning into or out of a road, also remember the Highway Code guidance on giving way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross. A pillar does not remove the need to check for them.
Pillars and mirror blind spots are different
A windscreen pillar blocks part of the direct view. A mirror blind spot is an area that the mirrors do not show. Both require effective observation, but checking a mirror alone will not solve a pillar obstruction in front of you.
A quick revision check
Question: Why should you look particularly carefully at bends and junctions?
Answer: Windscreen pillars can hide other road users, so you need a complete view before deciding that it is safe to proceed.
Watch the narrated Short below and identify the obstruction in the original illustration.
Official reference: The Highway Code, using the road (Rules 159–161 and 170).
Independent revision guidance, checked on 13 October 2026. Original AI-created educational illustration; narration edited from our recorded lesson. These are practice explanations, not the live test question bank.
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