Feb 17, 2017

Ford developing pothole alert system for drivers

"A virtual pothole map could highlight a new pothole the minute it appears and almost immediately warn other drivers that there is a hazard ahead," said Uwe Hoffmann, a research engineer at Ford. "I'm pretty convinced that the pothole sensing is good - though I would imagine with any pothole detection there may be issues with snow and ice," he told the BBC. The real question is what is done with the data, he says. Some Ford models already use sensors to detect potholes and adjust the car's suspension in an effort to reduce vehicle damage. Dr Breckon pointed out that encouraging drivers to avoid all routes with potholes might cause congestion in other areas - and there could be cheaper ways of solving the problem, such as improving road surfaces. Pothole damage affects 39% of drivers, according to an AA survey published in March last year.

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