Glare Free technology combines with existing Ford automatic headlamp beam adjustment technologies to add an additional function that "blocks" the beam of light that dazzles oncoming drivers or other road users.
Drivers no longer need to fear that the Grand Staircase of Lights is 'blinding' other road users
Ford launches new lighting technology that makes it easier for drivers to avoid dazzling other road users while improving their visibility
New Glare-Free Highbeam technology relieves drivers of the stress of having to lower their headlights by simply "blocking" the part of the beam that dazzles other drivers
The Glare-Free Highbeam anti-glare technology available on the new S-MAX, Galaxy and Edge, works with the Adaptive Front Lighting System, which adjusts beam angle and headlamp intensity according to speed, light and steering angle
Have you ever driven with a medium ladder instead of risking infuriating other drivers by forgetting your big ladder's function? Ford has now developed a new technology that allows drivers to take full advantage of their headlights without dazzling other road users.
The Glare-Free Highbeam system uses a windscreen-mounted camera that detects the headlights or taillights of vehicles and bicycles at a distance of up to 800 m at night. It also adopts specially designed headlamps that "block" the part of the beam that could momentarily blind other drivers and cyclists.
Driving with the large light bar on allows drivers to see obstacles on the road much earlier. Studies have shown that automatic headlights are activated up to 10 times more than when drivers switch themselves from medium to high beam and vice versa.
"Ask someone what the most annoying habits of other drivers are and sooner or later the issue of headlight misuse will come up," said Michael Koherr, research engineer, Lighting Systems, Ford Europe. "Ford's new Glare-Free Highbeam technology helps maximise the use of the highbeam and this means drivers can see much more of the road ahead - without distracting other road users."
The technology was developed by a global team of Ford engineers and suppliers. The test included a specially designed lighting simulation area, as well as testing in night conditions around the world.
Glare-Free Highbeam technology works with Ford's Auto High Beam system, and Ford Dynamic LED headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System, which can adjust the beam and intensity of the headlamps to one of seven settings depending on speed, ambient lighting, steering angle, distance from the vehicle ahead and windscreen wiper activation. Ford's automated lighting technologies are activated when they detect insufficient ambient lighting.
"We found that some drivers are so anxious about not 'blinding' others with their lights that they avoid using the big ladder," Koherr said. "Ford's Glare-Free Highbeam technology can relieve drivers of this stress, while smoothly switching between settings helps the driver's eyes adjust more quickly to changing lighting conditions."
Other Ford semi-autonomous technologies can detect road signals and adjust the throttle to help drivers stay within speed limits. They also detect people in or near the road, or even passing motorists, and automatically apply the brakes if they detect an impending collision. Ford is also developing advanced lighting technology of the future that improves visibility at squares, intersections, priority and stop signs, and draws the driver's attention to pedestrians, cyclists and even large animals in the path of the vehicle or on the side of the road.
Glare-Free Highbeam technology is now available for all Ford S-MAX, Galaxy and will also be offered with the upcoming Ford Edge.
