Ford has launched a new front-mounted camera that allows drivers to see around corners – enhancing safety when blind spots are present.
Situated in the car’s front grille, Ford’s new 180-degree camera allows drivers who are edging out at junctions or driveways to see oncoming traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, left and right. Activated by a button, the driver is presented with the 180-degree display on the car’s infotainment screen. The camera is just 33mm wide and also comes with a small telescopic jet-washer to keep it clean.
Ronny Hause, engineer, Driver Assistance Electronic Systems, Ford of Europe, said: “It’s not just blind junctions that can be stressful, sometimes an overhanging tree, or bushes can be the problem.Simply driving off driveways can be a challenge. Much like a rear-view camera, Front Split View Camera is one of those technologies that people will soon find indispensable.”
According to data from the European Road Safety Observatory SafetyNet project, around 19 per cent of motorists involved in junction-orientated accidents claimed that they experienced an obstruction in their view. In addition, 2013 figures from the U.K. Department and Transport said that 11 per cent of all road accidents were affected by obstructed vision from things such as trees or bushes.
Ford’s new front-mounted camera, as well as a rear view camera, is available as an optional £400 extra on the new Galaxy and S-MAX models.
