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

  • June 5, 2014
    The twisting path to enforcement’s future
    Survey reveals some division of views about enforcement’s future as Colin Sowman discovers. Technological advances and legislative changes pose many questions for those involved in road enforcement, ranging from the changing demands of privacy and data protection legislation to the practicalities on multi-speed enforcement. So to get the industry’s views ITS International took soundings on some of these bigger questions. In a world where many vehicles are fitted with GPS linked ‘black box’ telematics system
  • January 15, 2016
    Your Tesla Autopilot has arrived
    Tesla Motors has announced the release of Tesla version 7 software which includes Tesla Autopilot. This uses the radar, camera, electric assist braking system fitted to its Model S to deliver a range of new active features including the automated driving capabilities already offered in the Model S.
  • June 8, 2021
    Will you allow winter weather to derail your transit operations?
    JW Speaker's SmartHeat allows transportation managers to improve public transit safety
  • June 10, 2024
    Safeguarding cities against wrong-way drivers
    Thermal imaging and artificial intelligence analytics provide the best path towards preventing deadly auto accidents, explains Stefaan Pinck of Flir