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Why Modern Cars' A-Pillars Got So Thick — and Why It's a Safety Tradeoff
Key Takeaways
- Modern A-pillars are far thicker than those on older vehicles, creating documented blind spots in cars like the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model Y.
- A 2009 NHTSA rule phased in from late 2012 through 2017 required roofs to withstand three times a vehicle's own weight.
- IIHS ran a stricter roof-strength test from 2009 until 2022, retiring it because nearly all vehicles could handle at least four times their own weight.
- GM's Brian Latouf says a minimum cross-sectional area inside the pillar is needed for structural stability under higher loads.
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DT Editorial Team··via jalopnik.com