The Ford Driver Vision Package is a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) designed to enhance the driver's awareness of their surroundings and improve overall safety. This package typically includes features that aid in visibility, collision avoidance, and parking assistance, making driving safer and more convenient. Understanding the specific components of this package and how they function is crucial for drivers looking to maximize their vehicle's safety capabilities.
The Driver Vision Package isn't a single, static offering; its contents vary depending on the Ford model, trim level, and model year. Therefore, it's important to know what components make it up.
| Feature | Description | Availability (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert | Uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and alerts the driver with a warning light in the side mirror. Cross-Traffic Alert warns the driver of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space or driveway. | Widely available across many Ford models and trim levels, often standard on higher trims or available as an optional package. |
| Lane-Keeping System | Uses a camera to monitor the vehicle's position within the lane markings. If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without a turn signal activated, the system provides steering assistance to guide the vehicle back into the lane or provides a warning. Often includes lane-keeping alert (vibrating steering wheel) and lane-keeping assist (gentle steering correction). | Common on many Ford vehicles, often included in packages like the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. Available on mid-range and higher trim levels. |
| Rear View Camera | Displays a video image of the area behind the vehicle on the infotainment screen when the vehicle is in reverse. Often includes dynamic guidelines to help the driver judge distances and trajectory. | Standard on almost all new Ford vehicles. |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Uses ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper to detect obstacles behind the vehicle when backing up. Alerts the driver with audible beeps that increase in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to an obstacle. | Commonly available, often as part of a parking assistance package or standard on higher trim levels. |
| Auto High-Beam Headlamps | Automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. Improves visibility at night without blinding other drivers. | Increasingly common, often included in packages with other driver-assistance features or standard on higher trim levels. |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | Automatically activates the windshield wipers when rain is detected on the windshield. Adjusts the wiper speed based on the intensity of the rain. | Typically available on mid-range and higher trim levels, often as part of a convenience package. |
| Adaptive Headlights (Dynamic Bending) | Headlights that swivel in the direction of the steering wheel, illuminating the road ahead around curves and corners. Improves visibility and safety when driving at night. | Less common, typically found on higher-end Ford models and trim levels. May be part of a premium lighting package. |
| 360-Degree Camera (Surround View) | Uses multiple cameras to provide a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the infotainment screen. Helps the driver maneuver in tight spaces and avoid obstacles. | Typically available on higher trim levels of SUVs and trucks. Often part of a parking assistance package. |
| Reverse Brake Assist | Automatically applies the brakes when backing up if the system detects an imminent collision with an obstacle. Helps prevent low-speed collisions when reversing. | Available on select models, often as part of a more comprehensive ADAS package. |
| Front Parking Sensors | Uses ultrasonic sensors in the front bumper to detect obstacles in front of the vehicle when parking or maneuvering at low speeds. Alerts the driver with audible beeps that increase in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to an obstacle. | Commonly available on higher trim levels or as part of a parking assistance package. |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | Projects important information, such as speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts, onto the windshield in the driver's line of sight. Allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road while still accessing critical information. | Typically available on higher-end Ford models and trim levels. |
| Evasive Steering Assist | Uses radar and camera technology to detect slower-moving or stationary vehicles ahead. If a collision is imminent and the driver initiates a steering maneuver, the system provides additional steering support to help the driver avoid the obstacle. | Available on select Ford models, often as part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package. |
| Active Park Assist | Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space while the driver controls the acceleration, braking, and gear shifting. Can assist with both parallel and perpendicular parking. | Available on select models, often as part of a parking assistance package. |
Detailed Explanations
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert: BLIS uses radar sensors, typically located in the rear bumper, to monitor the areas beside the vehicle that are not easily visible in the side mirrors – the "blind spots." When a vehicle is detected in one of these blind spots, a warning light illuminates in the corresponding side mirror. This alerts the driver that it may not be safe to change lanes. Cross-Traffic Alert works in conjunction with BLIS when the vehicle is in reverse. It uses the same radar sensors to scan for approaching traffic from the sides, such as when backing out of a parking space. If traffic is detected, the system provides an audible and visual warning to alert the driver.
Lane-Keeping System: This system uses a forward-facing camera, usually mounted behind the rearview mirror, to monitor the lane markings on the road. If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated, the system takes action to prevent a potential lane departure. There are typically two components to the Lane-Keeping System: Lane-Keeping Alert and Lane-Keeping Assist. Lane-Keeping Alert provides a warning, such as a vibrating steering wheel, to alert the driver that they are drifting out of their lane. Lane-Keeping Assist goes a step further by providing gentle steering correction to guide the vehicle back into the center of the lane.
Rear View Camera: The rear view camera is a standard safety feature on nearly all new vehicles. It provides a live video feed of the area directly behind the vehicle, displayed on the infotainment screen when the vehicle is in reverse. This allows the driver to see obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles that may be difficult to spot in the mirrors. Many rear view cameras also include dynamic guidelines that move with the steering wheel to show the projected path of the vehicle, making it easier to parallel park or back into tight spaces.
Rear Parking Sensors: These sensors are typically mounted in the rear bumper and use ultrasonic waves to detect obstacles behind the vehicle when backing up. As the vehicle gets closer to an obstacle, the system emits audible beeps that increase in frequency, indicating the proximity of the object. This helps the driver avoid collisions when maneuvering in tight spaces.
Auto High-Beam Headlamps: This feature automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of other vehicles. When there are no oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead, the system activates the high beams to provide maximum visibility. When an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle ahead is detected, the system automatically switches to low beams to avoid blinding the other driver.
Rain-Sensing Wipers: Rain-sensing wipers use a sensor, typically located near the rearview mirror, to detect moisture on the windshield. When rain is detected, the system automatically activates the windshield wipers. The wiper speed is automatically adjusted based on the intensity of the rain, providing optimal visibility in varying weather conditions.
Adaptive Headlights (Dynamic Bending): Adaptive headlights, also known as dynamic bending headlights, improve visibility by swiveling in the direction of the steering wheel. This allows the headlights to illuminate the road around curves and corners, providing a better view of potential hazards. These headlights are particularly beneficial when driving at night on winding roads.
360-Degree Camera (Surround View): This system uses multiple cameras, typically located in the front grille, side mirrors, and rear of the vehicle, to create a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the infotainment screen. This provides the driver with a comprehensive view of the area around the vehicle, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and avoid obstacles.
Reverse Brake Assist: Reverse Brake Assist is designed to prevent low-speed collisions when backing up. The system uses sensors to detect obstacles behind the vehicle and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent. This feature can be particularly helpful in preventing accidents in parking lots or driveways.
Front Parking Sensors: Similar to rear parking sensors, front parking sensors use ultrasonic waves to detect obstacles in front of the vehicle when parking or maneuvering at low speeds. The system emits audible beeps that increase in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to an obstacle, helping the driver avoid collisions.
Head-Up Display (HUD): The head-up display projects important information, such as speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts, onto the windshield in the driver's line of sight. This allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road while still accessing critical information, improving safety and reducing distractions. The information is projected in a clear and easy-to-read format.
Evasive Steering Assist: This system uses radar and camera technology to detect slower-moving or stationary vehicles ahead. If a collision is imminent and the driver initiates a steering maneuver, the system provides additional steering support to help the driver avoid the obstacle. This feature can help the driver avoid or mitigate the severity of a collision in emergency situations.
Active Park Assist: Active Park Assist takes the stress out of parking by automatically steering the vehicle into a parking space. The driver controls the acceleration, braking, and gear shifting, while the system handles the steering. Active Park Assist can assist with both parallel and perpendicular parking, making it easier to park in tight spaces. The system uses sensors to identify available parking spaces and maneuvers the vehicle into the space with minimal driver input.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ford Driver Vision Package? The Ford Driver Vision Package is a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to enhance visibility, improve safety, and provide convenience while driving. It often includes features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and parking assistance.
Which Ford vehicles offer the Driver Vision Package? Availability varies by model year and trim level; typically, the Driver Vision Package is available on mid-range and higher trim levels of Ford SUVs, trucks, and cars. Consult the vehicle's specifications or a Ford dealership for specific availability.
How does Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) work? BLIS uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots, alerting you with a light in the side mirror if a vehicle is present. This helps prevent collisions when changing lanes.
Does the Lane-Keeping System steer the car automatically? Lane-Keeping Assist provides gentle steering correction to guide the vehicle back into the lane if it detects you drifting; however, the driver is still responsible for steering. Lane-Keeping Alert only provides a warning.
Is a rear view camera standard on all new Ford vehicles? Yes, a rear view camera is standard equipment on almost all new Ford vehicles. It provides a visual aid when backing up to improve safety.
Can the 360-degree camera help with parallel parking? Yes, the 360-degree camera provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, including parallel parking.
Does Active Park Assist completely park the car for me? Active Park Assist steers the vehicle into the parking space, but the driver still controls the acceleration, braking, and gear shifting. It automates the steering portion of the parking process.
How do rain-sensing wipers work? Rain-sensing wipers use a sensor to detect moisture on the windshield and automatically activate the wipers, adjusting the speed based on the intensity of the rain.
What is the purpose of Adaptive Headlights? Adaptive Headlights swivel in the direction of the steering wheel, illuminating the road around curves and corners, improving visibility and safety when driving at night.
Is the Driver Vision Package worth the cost? If safety and convenience are priorities, the Driver Vision Package can be a valuable investment, providing features that help prevent accidents and make driving easier.
Conclusion
The Ford Driver Vision Package offers a range of valuable safety and convenience features designed to enhance the driving experience. While the specific components may vary depending on the vehicle model and trim level, the overall goal is to improve driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents. Consider the features that are most important to your driving needs and carefully review the available options when purchasing a Ford vehicle.