Ford Introduces New Pre-Collision Assist With Pedestrian Detection System

Oct 23, 2014 03:30 PM EDT | Matt Mercuro

Ford introduced a new vehicle safety system this week called Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which the automaker said it will roll out for Ford and Lincoln vehicles sometime soon.

The systems provides full automatic braking if a driver doesn't respond to a warning in time, which should help cut back on the number of rear-end collisions.

Ford's new system was created to help drivers avoid rear-end collisions with other vehicles at all speeds, but it can also help avoid pedestrians at lower speeds.

The system is also designed to help reduce the severity of or even eliminate some frontal crashes.

"The technology will come to North America next year but we can't yet announce product details, and so we can't give detail on pricing for it, either," said Ed Saenz, a Ford spokesman, in response to Edmunds.

Ford confirmed that the new driver-assist system, which works by using radar and camera technology to scan the road ahead, will first be featured on the 2015 Ford Mondeo in Europe later this year.

Drivers still need to pay attention to the road however.

Ford said that Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection "does not replace the driver and has limitations, including nighttime, low and harsh lighting conditions, vehicles moving in a different direction and certain weather conditions," according to Edmunds.

Ford also offers optional features like blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and collision warning with brake support.

A number of automakers are introducing crash-avoidance systems as well.

Mercedes-Benz offers Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake on its vehicles. The system is capable of sensing if a crash is imminent and applies 40 percent of braking power.

Likewise, the Subaru Eyesight System provided drivers with an "extra foot" on the brake to help drivers out, according to the automaker. The system is currently an optional feature available to customers on the 2015 Subaru Outback, Forester, and Legacy. 

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