Ford driver assist system

Ford Motor has introduced a new driver-assistance system Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which the company claims prevents frontal collisions with pedestrians.

The new technology scans the roadway ahead with a radar and camera, and delivers a warning signal if it detects a collision risk with a vehicle or pedestrian.

If a collision warning is sent and the driver does not respond in time, the system will then apply the vehicle brakes.

This pre-collision assist technology will help drivers eliminate rear end collisions with other vehicles at all speeds and the pedestrian detection will support pedestrian avoidance at lower speeds, Ford said.

"A camera mounted on the windshield and the radar located near the bumper help the system to…differentiate pedestrians from roadside scenery and other objects." 

A camera mounted on the windshield and the radar located near the bumper help the system to collect information and also differentiate pedestrians from roadside scenery and other objects.

Ford manager of driver assist technologies Scott Lindstrom said: "This real-world testing was an important part of the development because pedestrians in an urban setting can present a wide range of potential situations.

"We covered more than 300,000 miles on three continents that included a wide range of settings and situations."

The technology is expected to be launched with the 2015 Ford Mondeo, which will go on sale in Europe this year.

Ford Global Product Development group vice-president Raj Nair said: "This technology adds to the already impressive list of driver-assist technologies Ford customers benefit from today."

However, the technology has limitations during night times, low and harsh lighting conditions, as well as when vehicles move in a different direction and also in specific weather conditions.

Image: The new driver-assist system reduces the severity of frontal collisions involving pedestrians. Photo: courtesy of Ford Motor Company.