Higher Driving Position - does it make a difference?

NBLondon

Reading other threads.... Having a higher driving position is often quoted as a reason for buying a 4x4 (even by people who will rarely if ever need or use 4 wheel drive). Given that there are now loads of mini-SUVs and mini-MPVs with a slightly higher seating position than an average hatch or saloon - can you actually see any better from them? Is it a real factor in safer driving or just marketing guff that has been adopted by people - possibly more so by parents?


Back in the 70s - if you were driving a classic Range Rover and everyone else was driving Marinas and the like, yes you possibly could see over the top of a traffic queue or across a crowded motorway and possibly see a hazard earlier. But when every third car is a Qashqai or a Zafira or whatever - do you really get any benefit?


Does it actually encourage more hazard-awareness and thinking ahead (reading the road) or does the lesser driver just continue to have tunnel vision but 2 inches further off the ground?


Disclaimer: I don't have one or any plans to get one. I do sometimes drive a lower than typical car (old MG) and it has been near-missed more than once - and actually hit once by a Citroen Picasso driver not paying attention.

EssexExile

There are two main advantages to having the Honda CR-V which replaced the Volvo V70 - Firstly, I can find it in car parks. Secondly, I can actually get in & out of it without assistance.

dannyrst

EssexExile wrote: »

There are two main advantages to having the Honda CR-V which replaced the Volvo V70 - Firstly, I can find it in car parks. Secondly, I can actually get in & out of it without assistance.

If you want to easily find your car, buy one that isn't white, grey, silver or black. Will stand out like a sore thumb.

wba31

I sit pretty low in my civic, and have driven my parents peugeot partner thing which is all very upright and high. I prefer the civic as it is far more relaxing and comfortable. i dont find i gain all that much visibility either way...

Pixie5740

I remember the day I picked up my Land Rover Discovery. It was the first time I was able to properly see over country road walls and had proper visability at those roundabouts which have a lot of shrubbery in the middle.

Gloomendoom

I drive a 4x4, an SUV and an normal saloon car regularly and I haven't noticed any advantages of being higher up other than the aforementioned ability to see over hedges into fields more easily.

Iceweasel

That's why farmers love 'em.

They can keep an eye on their neighbours' fields and animals and see if they are doing better than their own.

lovinituk

You get to look down the low cut tops of the women drivers/passengers in traffic

Pixie5740

I was thinking more of being able to see oncoming cyclists over the walls at junctions. Mind you, the higher driving position did allow me to see a pig on the road (who appeared to be making some dash for freedom one day) before I turned the corner.

DUTR

Pixie5740 wrote: »

I was thinking more of being able to see oncoming cyclists over the walls at junctions. Mind you, the higher driving position did allow me to see a pig on the road (who appeared to be making some dash for freedom one day) before I turned the corner.

Thought the flashing beacon would have give things away :eek:

knightstyle

Since my DWs back opp. we have had higher cars as they are easier to get in and out of.
We find it better for all round visibility and are sure that it makes for safer driving. I have recently been driving a friends old Civic occasionally and find it much harder to see in traffic.