All-New Ford Mondeo Will Automatically Break to Avoid Collision

Ford introduced on Thursday the “pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection” technology. The system examines the road ahead using a windshield-mounted camera and radar system, and compares what it sees to “a database of pedestrian shapes to help distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects,” the company claims.

If the system detects a pedestrian in front of the vehicle, and determines that a collision is likely, it alerts the driver. If the driver doesn’t respond to the alert, the system goes one step further. First, it improves brake responsiveness by reducing the gap between brake pads and discs. Then, the vehicle slows down, and applies the brakes automatically.

Ford says the technology aims to either reduce the severity of a collision, or prevent it entirely.

“We covered more than 300,000 miles on three continents that included a wide range of settings and situations,” said Scott Lindstrom, Ford manager of driver assist technologies.

The 2015 Ford Mondeo, which goes on sale in Europe this year, will be the first vehicle to feature the pre-collision assist technology.

Source: mashable.com

Image Credit: Ford