Skip to main content

Ford has Edge on rural driving

Ford has introduced a solution for rural roads which it says can gently steer a vehicle back on track when needed.
By Ben Spencer April 17, 2020 Read time: 1 min
Ford steers drivers from the Edge of rural roads (© Michael Smith | Dreamstime.com)

Road Edge Detection is designed for country driving at speeds of 45-70mph and uses a camera located below the rearview mirror to monitor road edges 50m in front of the vehicle and 7m to the side, the company adds. 

Rüdiger Kieneke, Ford driver assistance and safety electronics engineer, says: “Rural roads can be every bit as challenging for drivers as urban streets – especially for those who may be unfamiliar with their route. Road Edge Detection helps alleviate one concern to make journeys more comfortable and easier.”

The system's advanced algorithm is expected to determine when there are clear structural changes from the road to the nearby area while also offering steering support on roads when lane marking is obscured or hidden by leaves, snow or rain. 

According to Ford, the system vibrates the steering wheel if the driver is still close to the edge following initial steering support.

Related Content

  • March 18, 2014
    Wider uses for weigh in motion data
    Colin Sowman talks to Terry Bergan of International Road Dynamics about the latest uses of weigh-in-motion systems. Raising allowable truck weight limits improve transport efficiency but leaves an ever-increasing number of bridges vulnerable to being overloaded and damaged by vehicles heavier, and in some cases far heavier, than they were designed to carry. The simplistic solution is to impose weight restrictions and erect appropriate signs - but this could have severe knock-on effect on trucking operations
  • January 30, 2012
    Stepped speed limits improve workzone congestion and safety
    Traffic flow has been improved, congestion eased and safety increased - by a system of 'stepped speed limits' introduced to UK roadworks. URS Scott Wilson principal consultant Jamie Uff reports
  • August 5, 2020
    White lines? Cyclists need more
    Just painting lines on the road isn’t sufficient to persuade most people to cycle – you need to separate them from motor vehicles altogether. David Arminas talks to transportation engineer Tyler Golly about the Covid ‘wake-up call’
  • April 18, 2013
    Drivers get eyes in the back of their heads
    Drivers of the new Nissan Note will be able to see a full 360-degrees, compared to the average human’s field of vision of around 120 degrees, thanks to Nissan's advanced engineering and sophisticated technologies. The new model, unveiled at last month's Geneva Motor Show, is the first Nissan to feature its advanced safety shield - a package of technologies that delivers a new level of driver assistance in the small car segment - along with the advanced around view monitor.