Many SUV and 4x4 drivers are taking to the roads with a dangerously large blind-spot on their windscreen, a new report claims.

The study, from Irish body the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) reveals that many SUVs sold in Ireland and the UK have a blind spot that is capable of hiding an entire car from view.

The blind spots are caused by pillars either side of the windscreen - which are twice as large as those found on the average family saloon model, as they have to support a larger and heavier structure.

According to the research, this amounts to a "major road safety hazard".

"These findings point to the presence of larger-than-normal blind spots on 4x4 vehicles and this means there is a greater risk of these drivers not seeing that pedestrian or cyclist," Noel Brett, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority, commented.

Models included in the study were the Land Rover Discovery and Freelander, BMW X3, Grand Jeep Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail and Hyundai Santa Fe - all of which were apparently capable of obscuring a group of children from view.