The Ford S-MAX and Galaxy Now Available With Blind Spot Information System

Advanced radar technology is helping Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy drivers detect vehicles hidden in their blind spot.

Ford's Blind Spot Information System detects when a vehicle enters a blind spot zone that is defined on either side of the car. An LED warning light illuminates in the corresponding wing mirror to indicate the presence of a vehicle - from a motorbike to a truck.

"In busy traffic, it's very easy to lose sight of vehicles when they move into your blind spot," said Dr Torsten Wey, Ford's driver assistance technologies supervisor. "With its distinctive warning light, this system helps drivers to think twice before switching lanes or changing direction without checking their blind spot, hopefully preventing a collision or a near miss."

The new Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy, on sale this month, are the first Ford models to feature the Blind Spot Information System. The technology will also appear in other future Ford vehicles including the next-generation Ford C-MAX and Focus to be launched during the next 12 months.

The system works using two sophisticated multi-beam radars which are mounted in the outer corners of the rear bumper.

Using the two radars, the system monitors a blind spot zone on each side of the vehicle. This extends from the wing mirror to around three metres behind the rear bumper and widthways by about three metres either side of the car.

Unlike some similar systems, Ford's Blind Spot Information System has been specially designed to operate from speeds as low as 6mph, making it particularly effective in congested urban conditions and stop-start driving on busy motorways where many collisions occur.