FORD ‘SMART DIGITAL REAR VIEW MIRROR’ ENSURES VAN DRIVERS CAN CLEARLY SEE CYCLISTS, PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND

NOVEMBER 16, 2021

Many van drivers rely on their side mirrors, with rear view mirrors not so helpful when there is a bulkhead or cargo behind you. As the bumper stickers proclaim: “If you can’t see my mirrors – then I can’t see you!”

Now, Ford is introducing a “Smart Digital Rear View Mirror”. This new system looks exactly like a regular rear view mirror – but is actually a high-definition screen that clearly displays a panoramic view behind the van. This helps drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles that may be behind them, even when bulkheads are in the way.

The Full Display Mirror shows a live feed from a camera on the rear of the van and features automatic brightness control for optimum visibility in daylight and at night. The system offers a field of view that is twice the width of a conventional rear-view mirror. This helps drivers to be more aware of their surroundings, for example, when approaching roundabouts, changing lanes or checking before merging or turning into side streets.

Ford’s new mirror could be particularly beneficial for delivery drivers making frequent drop-offs in cities, where they are more likely to encounter those on bikes, e-scooters or on foot; vulnerable road users accounted for 70 per cent of road accident fatalities in Europe’s urban areas in 2019.Tooltip

Smart Mirrors

GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Ford’s new mirror could benefit businesses by reducing the need for costly accident damage repairs, as well as potentially contributing to lower insurance premiums. Fitting the system may also improve uptime – the time when commercial vehicles are working on the road.

The Smart Digital Rear View Mirror is available as standard on selected new Transit Custom and Transit Van models factory ordered from 1st January 2022. Please ask your local Ford dealer.

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