When approaching a roundabout, the left (right in the UK) A-Pillar always seems to get in the way when looking for on-coming traffic. (for the layman, the A-pillar is the section that separates the windscreen and the front window)
Making this see-through would eliminate this problem, but would also serve as a safety hazzard, as this needs to be sterdy, to withstand impact on the roof.
I propose fitting a camera on the outside of the A-pillar, with a little screen directly behind it inside te car, creating a see-through effect. Thus, the driver need only check the monitor instead of edging forward/backwards to look around the pillar.
The screen would automatically turn on when the brakes are applied, and the car comes to a near-halt.-- shinobi, Mar 07 2007 Ariel Atom's solution http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/04/frames.htm [Ling, Mar 08 2007] Nice try; but how would it be possible to focus on far/ near/ far so quickly? I agree the A pillars are a big problem, as quite often I notice large trucks trying to hide behind them.-- Ling, Mar 07 2007 I have a lot more of a problem with the b and c pillars, and the roof.-- BJS, Mar 07 2007 Funny. Pivo is Serbo-Croat for beer (ref Brau's link). Not something I would want to associate with driving, really.-- TheLightsAreOnBut, Mar 08 2007 What happens if the screen fails and it's night-time. You're going to look "through" the pillar, see nothing but darkness, and then pull confidently out into an oncoming traffic.-- MaxwellBuchanan, Mar 08 2007 I think you would see the lights and know something was amiss.-- nomocrow, Sep 27 2007 I think your eyes are too close together. I can see round my A-pillars OK.-- Mister Sketchly, Sep 27 2007 I lost a Chevy Malibu wagon behind my A-pillar once. I found it again. Then I needed fender work done.
Bun.-- elhigh, Sep 28 2007 take the time and care to move your head, thus looking round the a-post. you might just save your own life.-- theNakedApiarist, Sep 28 2007 random, halfbakery