Besides the fact that drivers are just more inattentive these days. OK, unsupported by facts, but, really, ask a young person about defensive driving and see the bambi-in-the-head-lights look. But, I digress...

The Prius is one of the worst cars I've ever driven with respect to blind spots. I've backed up the car, knowing that some thing was there, but unable to see it. So, compound elderly and probable lack of full range of motion, only looking for cars, and heavy blind spots......