Automobile manufacturer Ford recently announced that, beginning in the next model year, they will offer a pedestrian-sensing, collision-avoidance system in its European Mondeo sedan model.
To measure the ever-changing distance between the car and any given pedestrian on the road, this system uses a camera on the windshield and a radar sensor close to the bumper. When potential situation arises, the system will first alert the driver with a flashing light and warning sound combo. Only when the driver fails to respond after this prior warning, the car will then take the initiative to avoid collision or at least lessen the impact of one.
Therefore, the driver of this new Mondeo sedan model still needs to claim full responsibility for a traffic accident.
The edge of Ford's new system has over its current competitors lies in its cost efficiency. With a starting price of US $35,000, give or take, it seems much more affordable than the luxurious Google Car (US $75,000) and the even more pricier Mercedes-Benz S Class. This might accelerate the entrance of these “smart cars” into common households.