Cargo detection system and method for detecting overhanging cargo on a motor vehicle

A method for detecting overhanging cargo on a motor vehicle, the method comprising:

• measuring, by at least one of a sensor system of the motor vehicle and/or an external measuring entity, at least one of
• exterior dimensions of cargo protruding over an outer edge of the motor vehicle, and/or
• an opening condition of a tailgate of the motor vehicle;
• assessing, by a control device of the motor vehicle, based on the cargo measurement data, whether cargo is overhanging from the motor vehicle;
• and
• calculating, by the control device of the motor vehicle, at least one of an updated vehicle length and/or an updated vehicle width for the motor vehicle accounting for the overhanging cargo,
• wherein the control device estimates a blind spot region at a distal end of the overhanging cargo, based on a field of view of the sensor system, and adds a corresponding blind spot extension to at least one of the updated vehicle length and/or the updated vehicle width.