The cornering control, a new Ford system for the Ford Explorer

Honestly, I no longer know whether we are worse drivers than before, or whether stability systems will actually make us safer drivers. On top of traction and stability control, a new safety system is now being added, which Ford is perfecting for the home-market version of the next-generation Explorer in the US: cornering control.

What cornering control does is prevent an SUV with a higher centre of gravity than normal from rolling over when taking a corner too fast. The idea is that, using the data monitored by the stability control, the cornering control applies the brakes intelligently if necessary, so that there is no abrupt cut in power to the rear wheels.

At the same time, if the desperate driver brakes too hard, the braking force will be distributed electronically. The two wheels on the inside of the curve will receive more braking force, while the remaining ones will brake a little less. According to Ford, this technique would help the vehicle turn without losing stability and can slow it down by about 16 km/h in 1 second.

It seems the only drawback is that the vehicle will manage to avoid oversteer, but not understeer. If you don’t crash into the oncoming car as you exit the bend, you will hit a tree on the outside of the curve if you’re not careful. Electronic systems are not everything; they help, but responsibility still lies with the driver.

Via | Detroit News