Understanding Ford’s Cross-Traffic Alert: Safety When Reversing

Ford Cross-Traffic Alert: An Emphasis on Premium Safety

What Is Cross-Traffic Alert?

Part of Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross-Traffic Alert helps you reverse safely out of parking spots or onto busy streets. The system alerts you when a vehicle is about to cross your Ford’s path from behind, ensuring you know when it’s safe to proceed.

How Does Cross-Traffic Alert Work?

The system uses radars near your Ford’s rear quarter panels and automatically activates when you shift into reverse. When the system detects a vehicle crossing your path, the side-view mirror indicators will flash, an audible chime will sound, and a visual alert in your Ford’s message center will show you the direction of the approaching vehicle.

Ford’s Blind Spot Information System

Using the same sensors as Cross-Traffic Alert, Ford’s BLIS activates as soon as you reach speeds over three miles per hour and remains active throughout your drive. When BLIS detects a vehicle in your blind spot, you’ll receive an alert via an LED on the corresponding side-view mirror. This light will remain on until the vehicle exits your blind zone.

If you’re attempting to change lanes and the system detects an approaching vehicle on the corresponding side, the mirror’s LED icon will flash, accompanied by an audible warning.

Cross-Traffic Alert With Trailer Coverage

How It Works

When your trailer is connected to your Ford, BLIS extends the radar’s detection zones by using sensors in the taillights. This allows BLIS to cover the area from the side-view mirrors to the end of the trailer, providing comprehensive safety.

Getting Set Up

Using the buttons on your steering wheel, navigate to the “Towing” section on your onboard screen and select “Trailer Setup.” This will take you through several screens requesting information about your trailer, such as its length, width, and connected hitch. Once you finish inputting the information, your Ford will automatically save this configuration and select it when you attach your trailer.

Advice

When entering your trailer’s length, measure from the ball hitch to the rear of the trailer. Since the screen defaults to 18 feet and adjusts in three-foot increments, we recommend selecting the length closest to or slightly above your actual trailer length for full coverage. We also recommend completing this setup before connecting your trailer to streamline your experience.

Discover how Ford’s leading safety technology enhances your driving experience, providing peace of mind when it matters most. Visit our dealership here at Coughlin Ford of Heath in Newark, OH, to explore Ford’s advanced technology and check out our full lineup of vehicles today!

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