Ford has unveiled two new features designed to aid visibility, the first a simple blind spot side-view mirror and the second is a new radar based blind spot monitoring system. The new side-view mirror will be fitted as standard equipment from next year onwards and features an integrated convex spotter mirror aimed directly at the vehicle’s blind spot. The new radar system is called ‘Cross Traffic Alert’ and is able to detect cross-path traffic while reversing as well as vehicles sitting in blind spots when in drive.

The new Cross Traffic Alert feature will assist drivers in backing up by warning drivers of impending traffic while reversing. The feature works in conjunction with Ford’s previous radar-based blind spot monitoring system, utilizing two sensors mounted in each rear quarter panel. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding side-view mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching.

Cross Traffic Alert uses the radar when in reverse to pick up moving objects within a 65-foot range from either the left or right side of the vehicle. The system will be available as an option from next year in the U.S. but is expected to filter across to Ford’s international lineup.

Other carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar have introduced similar radar based monitoring systems but it’s good to see more mainstream brands such as Ford improving safety by offering similar devices across its lineup.

 

wow thats pretty insane there, its gettin easier and easier to drive these ppl are gonna start using less effort, i mean thats a great feature on trucks but ppl start relying on those trhings and then get into a vehicle with out them and smash into stuff.

 

You forgot to mention the laser cross traffic deterrent system.

 

For some of the drivers I have seen that will be very useful. Could make drivers lazy though.

 

These so-called improvements are all unnecessary - perhaps the special inset mirror is a good & cheap accessory. People are being trained to be lazier and lazier. Everything is supposed to be easy these days. It probably all started with the wheel a few millennia ago but for the auto, it began with the automatic trans.... Now we have all manner of toys on vehicles to "help" the driver or make driving easier: GPS based TomTom: Infiniti's video back-up and side monitoring; the Lexus that can park itself; DVD entertainment etc etc. Can anyone remember GM's "wonderbar"?
On top of all this there's the safety stuff: at the Auto show in Vancouver a few weeks ago, the Chrysler guy proudly told us that a new Jeep model had $15,000 worth of airbags in a $30,000 vehicle...Wow, was he excited!

I'll finish my little rant by repeating the obvious: it's the driver that counts in safe driving. We were in deepest, darkest Richmond yesterday and almost got hit by a lady backing her Mercedes C class out of her driveway. She had no idea we were stopped on the street behind her and jumped in her seat and then waved politely once she saw us. What I want is a 120 decibel siren proximity sensor that goes off whenever she gets close to her vehicle!
Cheers, have a good one!

 

yeah the more ppl get lazy the more accidents happen