Understanding Ford’s Cross-Traffic Alert: Safety When Reversing

Ford Co-Pilot360

Ford Co-Pilot360 is a suite of advanced driver assistance safety features installed in every Ford. One of these features, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) helps to protect you from potential accident risks that aren’t easily visible. Cross Traffic Alert is the part of this feature that protects you against accidents when you reverse.

Controlling Cross-Traffic Alert

This system runs in the background when you switch your engine on. It activates automatically when you shift into reverse gear, then deactivates once you shift out of reverse. You can manually switch it off or back on using the settings in your information display or via the touchscreen.

How Cross-Traffic Alert Works

Reversing can be dangerous, as it’s often impossible to see moving vehicles that will pass behind you, and this can result in an accident. This system uses radar sensors in the corners of your rear bumper. When it’s active, and you reverse, the sensors scan the arcs to the left and right for moving vehicles. It can identify any vehicle moving at speeds between 4 mph and 37mph.

If a vehicle is detected, you’ll hear a warning tone, and an icon will appear in the corresponding side view mirror. You’ll also see two arrows on the information display to show the direction the vehicle’s approaching from. These warnings give you enough time to hit the brakes or move back into your original position to avoid an accident.

The Sensors

The sensors positions mean they’re protected against most forms of damage, except for a direct impact. They can, however, become covered by mud or snow, and this prevents them from working correctly. Reversing at more than 7 mph or approaching vehicles traveling at less than 4 mph or greater than 37 mph can also make detection difficult.

Each sensor scans an arc of 120 degrees, but it’s important to remember that the scanned area can be partially blocked by parked cars, walls, or other obstructions. This is particularly true if you’re parked in an angled parking space. Reversing slowly allows the sensors to increase their field of view so they can detect and warn you of possible danger.

Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailers

Cross-Traffic Alert works correctly when you attach a trailer if the trailer is three feet or fewer, and you set the trailer length to three feet in your information display. You can also switch the system off to prevent it from detecting the trailer and issuing a false-positive warning.

Learn more about this and other Ford safety systems by contacting us at Coughlin Ford of Circleville in Circleville, OH.

Tags: Columbus Ohio Ford Dealer, Ford Safety
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