Ford tests warning system that communicates with car behind

Ford has been involved in testing a new high-tech "brake light" early warning system that is capable of giving vehicles behind caution even if they are out of sight.

It is part of the four-year joint industry research project Safe Intelligent Mobility - Testfield Germany that aims to make roads safer.

The technology works by transmitted a wireless signal that can be read by other vehicles in the event of an emergency braking situation, which manifests as a dashboard light in the car behind. It allows motorists to then brake earlier and can even work around bends or through traffic.

"Car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communications represent one of the next major advancements in vehicle safety," said Paul Mascarenas, Ford's chief technical officer and vice president, Ford Research and Innovation.

"Ford is committed to further real-world testing here and around the world with the goal of implementation in the foreseeable future."

Ford S-MAX models were used to test the technology, while other systems such as Obstacle Warning and Traffic Sign Assistant were also trialled.

Posted by Craig Salter