Ford is testing technology in Britain that will let drivers know the best speed to travel to avoid stopping at any traffic lights while they are showing red.
The Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory system uses information on traffic light timings from a roadside unit to inform the driver of the best speed to travel to make a green light. If a car with this system does end up waiting at a red light, the driver will be shown how much time is left until the light turns green.
This technology is being trialled by Ford through the use of several Mondeo Hybrid model. The trials aim to help convey the benefits of connected cars for UK Autodrive – the country’s largest connected and self-driving car trial.
The 16-member, £20 million project aims to develop and test vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies that’ll help reduce the stress of driving and make driving more efficient.
Past research has found that people in Britain who drive every day spend roughly two days per year waiting at red lights.
Another piece of technology Ford’s special fleet of Mondeo Hybrids are testing is the Emergency Electronic Brake Lights. This feature warns when a vehicle ahead of the car suddenly brakes hard – even if the car is obscured from view or out of sight – up to a distance of 500 metres.
Other technologies set to be trialled next year include a system that will alert drivers to another vehicle blocking a junction ahead and when an emergency services vehicle is approaching.
