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COLOGNE, Germany - Ford has joined other automakers in taking the danger out of blind junctions with cameras that can see what's coming.
A front split-view camera in the grille - an option in the all-new Ford S-Max and Galaxy in the UK - feeds a 180-degree image to a 20cm touchscreen on the car's facia.
Ronny Hause, engineer in assistance systems for Ford Europe, had a team that worked closely on the project with its US counterparts. He explained: "We've all been there. It's not just blind junctions that can be stressful - overhanging trees or bushes can be the problem.
FRONT SPLIT-VIEW CAMERA
"For some simply driving out of their home driveway can be a challenge. Much like rear-view cameras, Front Split View Camera (as Ford calls the tech) is a something which will make buyers wonder how they used to manage."
VIDEO:Cars that can see around corners
The camera is kept clear by a retractable jet-washer that operates with the windscreen wipers.
Data recorded by the European Road Safety Observatory SafetyNet project indicated that nearly 20% of drivers involved in a crash did so at a blind junction.
Ford already has rear-view cameras.
SAFER JUNCTIONS: Ford is aiming to make junctions safer with cameras that can warn of approaching cars. Image: Quickpic
