Ford has introduced a new “active” safety system designed to help drivers avoid incidents. The system utilizes radar to detect when vehicles ahead are stopping quickly and warns the driver with a series of blinking LEDs projected on the windshield. It also pre-charges the brakes and readies brake assist for panic braking.
The system takes advantage of Ford’s adaptive cruise control, which made its first appearance on a Ford product on the new 2009 Lincoln MKS. It provides some adjustability of the alert system, from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds, allowing drivers to tailor the system to their needs. Collision Warning with Brake Support will be made available on the MKS later in 2009 and is expected to be spread across the Ford lineup in due time.
Ford released a promotional video illustrating how the system works.
