Ford has tested new technology called the Electronic Brake Light.
Bumping into the back of the car in front when you didn't realise they had braked can have serious consequences. To help reduce the likelihood of these accidents taking place, Ford has taken part in a testing programme for an early warning car-to-car communication feature.
As part of Safe Intelligent Mobility (SIM) – Testfield Germany, the carmaker put the Electronic Brake Light to the test.
This technology transmits a wireless signal to illuminate a dashboard light on vehicles that are following it. It is hoped that the system will be particularly effective when it comes to warning drivers who are behind them but around a bend, as well as behind other traffic.
Reports from Ford suggested the technology may be useful in helping motorists to brake earlier, therefore reducing the likelihood of an accident taking place.
Paul Mazcarenas, chief technical officer and vice-president at Ford Research and Innovation, said: "Car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communications represent one of the next major advancements in vehicle safety.
"Ford is committed to further real-world testing here and around the world with the goal of implementation in the foreseeable future."
This exciting and potentially life-saving technology was just one of 20 systems the manufacturer tried out at SIM – a joint industry research project that has highlighted intelligent transport systems as an effective way to improve safety for road users, as well as reducing congestion levels.
Another technology put to the test by Ford was Obstacle Warning, a new idea that warns motorists of upcoming objects in the road, giving them enough time to make sure they steer clear of the obstruction.
Traffic Sign Assistant – a service that provides traffic management centres with up to date information – was given the once over by the Ford team.
As part of the SIM field tests, 500 drivers in 120 vehicles clocked up almost one million miles on both an enclosed test track in Germany and public roads, spending 41,000 hours doing so.
Posted by Peter Murray