Ford automakers announced in a press release that the 2018 Ford F-150 will be getting the all-new Nighttime Pedestrian Detection system.

The technology is exactly what its name suggests. It utilizes sensors to detect a person on foot during nighttime and automatically activates the brakes if the car gets too close. The automaker has provided little detail about how the system works.

What is known is that the system will utilize a camera capable of snapping 30 images per second.  This enables it to identify pedestrians and alert the driver with a flashing icon and chime. The automatic braking kicks in if the driver fails to respond.

The auto manufacturer conducted a poll that revealed that hitting a pedestrian is the biggest fear among motorists driving at night. The company went on to say that the fear is likely an innate one, where early man feared the night when they were more likely to be ambushed by a predator. The fear also increases stress level, thereby impacting the driver’s ability to respond to objects ahead.

Aside from the Ford F-150, the 2018 Ford Mustang will be getting the Nighttime Pedestrian Detection system as well. Both models are scheduled for a refresh. The 2018 Ford Fiesta will also be getting the system in the European market.

The automaker believes such a system is needed not just because of general apprehensions about nighttime driving but also because of more pedestrians becoming distracted by their mobile devices.

Models like the 2017 Ford F-150 doesn’t have the Nighttime Pedestrian technology, but it still has plenty of innovative safety features. Visit Folsom Lake Ford to check out the pickup truck and other Ford cars for sale near Sacramento, CA.