Ford Smart Mirror, virtual rearview mirror hits vans
When driving a commercial vehicle such as a van, one of the main problems in urban areas is definitely the rear visibility. The presence of a load or doors without glass does not allow the driver to see what is happening behind his vehicle and not only in reverse, increasing the safety risks.
Today, however, technology makes available various "electronic eyes" and intelligent solutions already adopted, however, by other manufacturers such as Renault which has precisely introduced a Rear View Camera displayed in the mirror. Now Ford does too with the Smart Mirror, which allows the driver of the van to see cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles behind the van
Even greater field of view
The new smart mirror, similar in size and position to a traditional mirror, is actually one high definition screen which reproduces the images captured by a video camera positioned on the back of the van. Available on Ford Tourneo Custom and Transit Custom with non-glazed rear doors, it will also be on Transit from February 2022.
In addition to allowing drivers to keep tabs on what is happening in the rear of the vehicle, the main advantage is that the Ford Smart Mirror shows a field of vision. twice as wide compared to a traditional rearview mirror. Among other features, the screen is also equipped with automatic brightness adjustment to ensure the best images regardless of the amount of external light.
Fewer casualties on the road
Thanks to a clear view of the rear, the Ford Smart Mirror is a candidate as a useful technology in trying to decrease accidents fatal roads involving vulnerable people such as cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists. At-risk categories that represent around 70% of the victims of road accidents in urban areas in Europe.
The rear-view mirror can also prove to be an ally for corporate vehicle fleets. The reduction of accidents would not only decrease i costs for repairs of vehicles and the consequent insurance rates but also the time lost with the vehicle in the workshop.
