Ford has released Road Edge Detection to make driving on rural roads easier and safer.
The new technology is designed for use on rural roads at speed of 45-70mph (70-110kmh) and uses a camera located below the rear-view mirror to monitor road edges 50m (165ft) ahead and 7m (23ft) to the side.
Where the edge becomes a soft verge, gravel hard shoulder or grass, the system provides gentle steering support to prevent the vehicle from drifting off the road.
The system features an algorithm added to Ford’s existing Lane-Keeping Aid to assess the area beside the road.
It can also provide steering support on marked roads when lane markings are obscured or hidden by snow, leaves or rain.
If the driver is close to the edge after initial steering support, the system vibrates the steering wheel to prompt the driver to steer.
At night, the system uses headlight illumination and functions as effectively as during the day.
Road Edge Detection is standard on Focus, Kuga and Puma models as part of Lane-Keeping Aid, and will be expanded across the range.
Rudiger Kieneke, Ford driver assistance and safety electronics engineer, said, “Rural roads can be every bit as challenging for drivers as urban streets – especially for those who may be unfamiliar with their route. Road Edge Detection helps alleviate one concern to make journeys more comfortable and easier.”
Ford has released a video to demonstrate the technology, click here to view.