The Ford brand has just announced that the 2017 Ford Fusion will be getting a Return to Park feature that will come as standard equipment.
The Return to Park is a new technology that uses multiple sensors to determine whether the driver is exiting the vehicle. The car’s computer then automatically shifts the car into park as the engine is shut off. This feature prevents rollaway accidents caused by drivers forgetting to put the car into park before leaving the vehicle.
The technology comes into play when all of the conditions occur: the car is stationary and turned off, the safety belt is unlatched, and driver side door is opened.
In addition, the feature also reacts when the engine is switched off while the car is still in motion. When this happens, the car will automatically shift into neutral and then shift into park mode once the car slows down to below 5 mph.
The Return to Park will not operate if the door is opened while the car is in motion since drivers may open the door to see the lane marker or free their jacket that got caught on the door.
The Return to Park technology can very well save lives. Between 2012 and 2014, there have been 360 severe accidents in the U.S. caused by a rollaway, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
So far, Return to Park is only available in the 2017 Ford Fusion, though expect it to make its way to other models in the coming years.
Visit Folsom Lake Ford to check out the 2017 Ford Fusion and the accompanying Return to Park technology. Feel free to look up new cars or accessories and other Ford parts near Sacramento, CA. We hope to see you soon!
