Ford Safety Packages represent a collection of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) designed to enhance vehicle safety and prevent accidents. These packages vary depending on the Ford model and trim level, offering a range of features aimed at improving driver awareness, providing automated assistance, and mitigating potential collisions. Understanding the components of these packages is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions and maximizing the safety benefits of your Ford vehicle.
These packages are designed to protect drivers and passengers, making driving safer and more comfortable. By offering advanced technology, Ford aims to reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall driving experience.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Co-Pilot360 | Ford's standard suite of driver-assist technologies, often included as a base safety package. | Offers a comprehensive set of safety features as standard equipment. |
| Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection | Uses sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and automatically applies the brakes to mitigate or avoid the impact. | Helps prevent or reduce the severity of frontal collisions, especially with vulnerable road users. |
| Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert | Monitors blind spots for vehicles and alerts the driver if a vehicle is detected. Cross-Traffic Alert warns of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space. | Enhances awareness of surrounding vehicles and reduces the risk of collisions when changing lanes or reversing. |
| Lane-Keeping System (LKS) | Uses a camera to monitor lane markings and provides steering assistance to keep the vehicle within its lane. May include Lane-Keeping Alert and Lane-Keeping Aid. | Helps prevent unintentional lane departures, especially on highways. |
| Rear View Camera | Displays a live video feed of the area behind the vehicle when backing up. | Simplifies parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, reducing the risk of hitting obstacles or pedestrians. |
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Maintains a set speed and automatically adjusts it to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. | Reduces driver fatigue on long drives and helps maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. |
| Evasive Steering Assist | Uses radar and camera technology to detect slower-moving or stationary vehicles ahead and provides steering support to help the driver avoid a collision. | Assists drivers in making quick evasive maneuvers to avoid accidents. |
| Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control | Builds upon Adaptive Cruise Control by adding features like speed sign recognition and predictive speed adjustment based on upcoming curves and intersections. | Further enhances the convenience and safety of cruise control. |
| Reverse Brake Assist | Detects objects behind the vehicle while backing up and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent. | Helps prevent collisions with objects or pedestrians when reversing. |
| Active Park Assist | Automatically steers the vehicle into a parallel or perpendicular parking space while the driver controls the acceleration, braking, and shifting. | Simplifies parking in challenging situations. |
| Pre-Collision Assist | A broader system that encompasses Automatic Emergency Braking and other collision mitigation features. | Provides a comprehensive approach to preventing or mitigating collisions. |
| Post-Collision Braking | Applies the brakes after a collision to prevent secondary impacts. | Reduces the risk of further damage or injury after an initial collision. |
| Auto High-Beam Headlamps | Automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of other vehicles. | Improves visibility at night without blinding other drivers. |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | Automatically activates the windshield wipers when rain is detected. | Helps maintain visibility in wet weather conditions. |
| Hill Start Assist | Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a hill. | Makes it easier and safer to start on inclines. |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Monitors the pressure in each tire and alerts the driver if it falls below a certain level. | Helps maintain optimal tire pressure for safety and fuel efficiency. |
| MyKey | Allows parents to set restrictions on vehicle speed and audio volume for younger drivers. | Promotes safe driving habits for new drivers. |
| Enhanced Active Park Assist | An upgraded version of Active Park Assist that can handle more complex parking maneuvers. | Provides even greater assistance with parking in tight spaces. |
| Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 | An enhanced version of Ford Co-Pilot360, incorporating additional features and improved performance. | Offers a more comprehensive and refined suite of driver-assist technologies. |
| Intersection Assist | Detects oncoming traffic when turning left and can apply the brakes to prevent a collision. | Reduces the risk of accidents when making left turns at intersections. |
| Connected Navigation | Provides real-time traffic updates and route guidance through a connected system. | Helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and find the fastest route to their destination. |
| Speed Sign Recognition | Identifies speed limit signs and displays them on the instrument panel. | Helps drivers stay aware of the current speed limit. |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Alerts the driver to obstacles behind the vehicle while backing up. | Simplifies parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. |
| Front Parking Sensors | Alerts the driver to obstacles in front of the vehicle while parking. | Simplifies parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. |
| Hill Descent Control | Helps maintain a controlled speed when descending steep hills. | Improves control and safety when driving off-road or on challenging terrain. |
| Trailer Sway Control | Detects and mitigates trailer sway to improve stability when towing. | Enhances safety and control when towing a trailer. |
| Roll Stability Control | Helps prevent rollovers by applying the brakes and reducing engine power. | Improves stability and reduces the risk of rollovers. |
| Curve Control | Helps the driver maintain control when entering a curve too fast. | Improves stability and reduces the risk of losing control on curves. |
Detailed Explanations
Ford Co-Pilot360: This is Ford's standard suite of driver-assist technologies, typically included as a base safety package. It includes features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, and a Rear View Camera. The goal is to provide a comprehensive foundation of safety features to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection: This system uses sensors to monitor the road ahead for potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians. If a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't react in time, the system automatically applies the brakes to mitigate or avoid the impact. This is a critical feature for reducing the severity of accidents, especially those involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert: BLIS uses sensors to monitor the vehicle's blind spots for other vehicles. If a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, a warning light illuminates in the corresponding side mirror. Cross-Traffic Alert works when the vehicle is backing out of a parking space, warning the driver of approaching traffic from the sides. This feature significantly reduces the risk of collisions when changing lanes or reversing.
Lane-Keeping System (LKS): This system uses a camera to monitor lane markings on the road. If the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane without the turn signal being activated, the system provides steering assistance to guide the vehicle back into the lane. It may also include Lane-Keeping Alert, which provides a warning if the vehicle is drifting, and Lane-Keeping Aid, which actively steers the vehicle back into the lane.
Rear View Camera: A standard feature on most new vehicles, the Rear View Camera displays a live video feed of the area behind the vehicle when backing up. This makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier and reduces the risk of hitting obstacles or pedestrians that might be hidden from view.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC maintains a set speed, just like traditional cruise control, but it also automatically adjusts the speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. The system uses radar to monitor the distance to the vehicle in front and slows down or speeds up as needed. This feature reduces driver fatigue on long drives and helps maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
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 an evasive maneuver, the system provides steering support to help the driver avoid the collision. This system is designed to assist drivers in making quick and effective evasive maneuvers.
Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control: This is an enhanced version of ACC that incorporates additional features like speed sign recognition and predictive speed adjustment based on upcoming curves and intersections. The system can automatically adjust the vehicle's speed based on the posted speed limit and can also anticipate upcoming curves and intersections to provide a smoother and safer driving experience.
Reverse Brake Assist: This system detects objects behind the vehicle while backing up and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent. It helps prevent collisions with objects or pedestrians that might be difficult to see when reversing.
Active Park Assist: This system automatically steers the vehicle into a parallel or perpendicular parking space while the driver controls the acceleration, braking, and shifting. It simplifies parking in challenging situations and can be a valuable aid for drivers who struggle with parking.
Pre-Collision Assist: This is a broader system that encompasses Automatic Emergency Braking and other collision mitigation features. It provides a comprehensive approach to preventing or mitigating collisions by using sensors and cameras to monitor the road ahead and provide warnings or automatic braking if necessary.
Post-Collision Braking: This system applies the brakes after a collision to prevent secondary impacts. It helps reduce the risk of further damage or injury after an initial collision.
Auto High-Beam Headlamps: This system automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of other vehicles. It improves visibility at night without blinding other drivers.
Rain-Sensing Wipers: This system automatically activates the windshield wipers when rain is detected. The wiper speed is adjusted based on the intensity of the rain. This helps maintain visibility in wet weather conditions.
Hill Start Assist: This system prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a hill. It holds the brakes for a few seconds while the driver moves their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator. This makes it easier and safer to start on inclines.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This system monitors the pressure in each tire and alerts the driver if it falls below a certain level. Maintaining optimal tire pressure is important for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire wear.
MyKey: This feature allows parents to set restrictions on vehicle speed and audio volume for younger drivers. It promotes safe driving habits for new drivers.
Enhanced Active Park Assist: An upgraded version of Active Park Assist that can handle more complex parking maneuvers. It provides even greater assistance with parking in tight spaces.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0: An enhanced version of Ford Co-Pilot360, incorporating additional features and improved performance. It offers a more comprehensive and refined suite of driver-assist technologies.
Intersection Assist: Detects oncoming traffic when turning left and can apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Reduces the risk of accidents when making left turns at intersections.
Connected Navigation: Provides real-time traffic updates and route guidance through a connected system. Helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and find the fastest route to their destination.
Speed Sign Recognition: Identifies speed limit signs and displays them on the instrument panel. Helps drivers stay aware of the current speed limit.
Rear Parking Sensors: Alerts the driver to obstacles behind the vehicle while backing up. Simplifies parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Front Parking Sensors: Alerts the driver to obstacles in front of the vehicle while parking. Simplifies parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Hill Descent Control: Helps maintain a controlled speed when descending steep hills. Improves control and safety when driving off-road or on challenging terrain.
Trailer Sway Control: Detects and mitigates trailer sway to improve stability when towing. Enhances safety and control when towing a trailer.
Roll Stability Control: Helps prevent rollovers by applying the brakes and reducing engine power. Improves stability and reduces the risk of rollovers.
Curve Control: Helps the driver maintain control when entering a curve too fast. Improves stability and reduces the risk of losing control on curves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ford Co-Pilot360?
Ford Co-Pilot360 is Ford's standard suite of driver-assist technologies, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, designed to enhance safety and driver awareness.
How does Automatic Emergency Braking work?
Automatic Emergency Braking uses sensors to detect potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time, helping to prevent or reduce the severity of accidents.
What is Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)?
BLIS monitors blind spots for vehicles and alerts the driver if a vehicle is detected, reducing the risk of collisions when changing lanes.
Does Adaptive Cruise Control work in stop-and-go traffic?
Yes, some versions of Adaptive Cruise Control, especially those with stop-and-go functionality, can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead even in heavy traffic.
Can I add Ford Co-Pilot360 to an older Ford vehicle?
Retrofitting Ford Co-Pilot360 to older vehicles can be complex and expensive, as it requires integrating various sensors and electronic systems. It's typically more cost-effective to consider purchasing a newer vehicle with the desired safety features.
Conclusion
Ford Safety Packages offer a range of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to enhance vehicle safety and prevent accidents. Understanding the specific features included in each package is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions. Consider your individual driving needs and prioritize the safety features that are most important to you. Investing in a Ford vehicle with a comprehensive safety package can provide peace of mind and contribute to a safer driving experience.