Understanding Ford's Advanced Safety Features

Safety has come a long way from seatbelts and airbags to a whole suite of advanced technology to prevent accidents and keep you aware. Ford is leading the charge with their latest systems and engineering to redefine what safety means in the car world. Here we look at Ford's safety innovations, with a focus on Ford Co-Pilot360 and other car safety tech.

At the heart of Ford's safety philosophy is the Ford Co-Pilot360, a set of driver-assist systems that come as standard on many of their vehicles. This suite of features addresses various aspects of driver safety from collision avoidance to situational awareness.

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking One of the key features of the Ford Co-Pilot360 is Pre-Collision Assist, which uses radar and camera technology to scan the road ahead. It warns the driver of potential collisions and can apply the brakes automatically if no response is detected in time. These systems help reduce the severity of accidents or prevent them altogether.

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert Ford's BLIS technology has an extra pair of eyes on the road. Using radar sensors, this system detects vehicles in adjacent lanes that may not be visible to the driver. Cross-Traffic Alert, also warns drivers of approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces, making life easier and safer in busy areas.

• Lane-Keeping System Drifting out of your lane is a common cause of accidents. Ford's Lane-Keeping System detects when a vehicle drifts out of its lane and steers it back in. A Driver Alert feature also monitors driver behavior for signs of fatigue and recommends breaks when needed.

Ford's other safety feature is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which makes highway driving safer and less stressful. Unlike traditional cruise control, ACC maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts speed according to traffic flow. Some Ford models also have Stop-and-Go functionality which resumes acceleration after brief stops and Lane Centering which keeps the vehicle in its lane.

In emergencies where braking alone may not be enough to avoid a collision, Ford's Evasive Steering Assist kicks in. This system provides extra steering support when you turn the wheel to avoid an obstacle. The result is faster and more controlled reactions when every millisecond counts.

Parking in tight spots can be tricky, especially in the city. Ford's Active Park Assist 2.0 makes it easier by taking control of the steering, acceleration, and braking while parking. This car safety technology reduces the risk of scratches and collisions while parking, so you can park with confidence in busy areas.

Weather and road conditions can affect vehicle stability. Ford's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system distributes torque between the front and rear wheels to maximize traction. With traction control, it provides extra stability and control on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Visibility is key to road safety and Ford's advanced lighting technology helps to improve it. Adaptive Headlamps on some models adjust the beam direction according to the vehicle's steering angle so you get better lighting around corners. Auto High-Beam Headlamps switch between high and low beams automatically so you don't blind oncoming traffic while maintaining maximum visibility.

Ford's safety doesn't stop at the initial impact of a collision. Post-collision braking, another clever feature, applies the brakes after an accident to prevent secondary collisions. This reduces further damage and passenger injury in multi-vehicle crashes.

Ford knows true safety is not just about preventing accidents; it's about keeping the driver alert and in control. So Ford has included features like voice-activated controls so you can operate the infotainment system without taking your hands off the wheel. The ergonomic design of Ford interiors also means essential controls are within easy reach so you can reduce distractions while driving.

For trailer towing regulars, Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist is designed to help. This system makes trailer maneuvering easier by allowing you to control the trailer direction with a knob on the dashboard. The system takes care of the steering so you can reduce the complexity of reversing trailers and the risk of accidents.

Ford's commitment to safety is evident across the entire range, from the Escape to the F-150. Ford Co-Pilot360 and other advanced safety features are available on many models so you can have the latest car safety technology no matter which Ford you choose.