Car wing mirror that flashes when cyclist approaches could stop drivers opening door
Ford has built an 'exit warning' system for cars to stop drivers and passengers swinging their doors open into the path of cyclists.
A trail of flashing red lights around the wing mirror and door edge lights up to warn the vehicle's occupants of an approaching cyclist.
An alarm also sounds to help prevent a collision - known as 'dooring' - and Ford is working on developing the system to physically stop the door swinging open.
Some vehicles from the US-based automobile manufacturer are already fitted with sensors to detect and brake for cyclists.
They alert drivers when other road users are in their blind spots.
These technologies and scanners will be integrated with the new system.
Friederike Philipsenburg, Vehicle Architecture Engineer of Ford in Europe, said: 'Cyclists, and increasingly e- scooter riders, face daily safety challenges on our busy roads, including avoiding car doors as they open.
'Exit Warning is just one of the ways we are helping to make the roads better for everybody — whether they are on two wheels or four.'
Engineers are also testing a new mechanism for the car door that momentarily prevents it from fully opening.
The vehicle occupant will be able to manually override this feature in an emergency.
Ford expects to begin tests of the feature in the coming months after early success in trials.
It aims to ensure it works for both left and right-hand-drive vehicles as well as on a variety of road and lane layouts.
The system is part of Ford's Share The Road campaign which also led to the creation an 'emoji jacket' prototype that lights up with different symbols on the back to help cyclists share their mood with drivers.
The jacket can also display hazard warnings and indicators when the cyclist is about to make a turn.
The jacket display is controlled via a wireless remote which attaches to the handlebars so the cyclist can keep both hands on the bike.