"The consequences of such a mistake can be terrifying. Tired drivers, confused by road signs or disoriented by poor visibility due to bad weather, may make a wrong turn—and suddenly find that they have exposed themselves and other people on the highway to the most serious danger," explained Jan Guesten, a driver assistance systems development engineer from Ford's European division.
The Wrong Way Alert system operates based on the road sign recognition function, data from the onboard navigation system, and a video camera installed under the windshield. If the driver passes between two "no entry" signs, the electronics will alert them with a special audible signal and also display a graphic warning on the instrument panel.
The first model for which the Wrong Way Alert system will be available will be the fourth-generation Focus. European sales of the new model will start at the end of summer 2018.
