Ford will be implementing more camera technology in upcoming vehicles after conducting research proving Gen Z (16-22 years of age) and Gen Y (23-34 years of age) drivers are getting behind-the-wheel jitters.
Ford’s new camera technology will allow drivers of all ages to see around corners, aiding in reducing driver stress and accident prevention. The 2015 Ford Edge, with front split-view and 2016 Explorer, with front and rear, are the first vehicles to showcase the new technology in the United States and China.
To push the envelope, the 2016 F-150 will feature five cameras, mounted in the outside mirrors, rear and front of the vehicle to enable a 360° view and backup view functions. The next Super Duty will go even further, featuring seven cameras and new digital architecture.
The Specs behind the Cameras
The 1-megapixel wide-angle lens split-view cameras are designed to help drivers see traffic and obstacles entering their vehicles path from the side. Drivers will have a 180° view of the area both in front and behind a vehicle. Tri-panel displays help drivers assess whether an object is approaching from either side or straight on, and automatically shuts off when vehicle speed reaches 6.2 mph (10 kph).
The forward mounted camera, mounted behind the rear-view mirror activates auto high-beams and lane-keeping assistance. The driver never sees the image from this camera, but the vehicle's computer uses the visual signal to operate the rest of the system.
A tiny telescopic jet washer keeps split-view cameras clean.
Split-view cameras work together with the F-150’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, helping drivers steer the trailer with a control knob while the truck steers its wheels. Dynamic Hitch Assist will use the cameras to provide a center sight line in the display to help properly line up the truck to the trailer hitch up.
Split-view cameras are tested in conditions beyond what they will endure during a typical lifetime, according to Ford. Each camera is subjected to more than 1,000 hours of testing to ensure they can withstand temperature changes, humidity, dust, salt and more. The cameras are also immersed in water to guarantee water doesn’t leak into the case.
Younger Drivers have growing Fears
Fords announcement of their new camera tech was, at least in part, due to recent independent research published by Penn Schoen Berland. The online survey found individuals between 16 and 34 were most afraid of other motorists driving dangerously.
For decades, public speaking struck the most fear into the average American. Now it is the second most common fear, followed by death, spiders and snakes, respectively.
“Younger generations are growing up with different fears than their parents or grandparents,” said Kevin Shkolnik, vice president, Penn Schoen Berland. “Younger drivers are worried about distracted drivers, but they think technology isn’t just the problem, it’s also the solution, as we are seeing growing demand for driver-assistance technologies.”
Conducted on behalf of Ford, the research shows 65 percent of respondents are more likely to purchase a vehicle if it has technology to help with parallel parking. Meanwhile, 62 percent of those polled want technology to detect objects in blind spots. The surveys margin of error is reported to be +/- 3.1 percent.
Ford plans to make rear-view cameras standard on all of its North American light passenger vehicles by 2018. Front cameras should be available on a majority of its vehicles globally by volume by 2020 – meaning the company plans to put more than 2 million new cameras a year on the road.
To learn more about Penn Shoen Berland’s study, visit ford.com.