Ford says its Co-Pilot360 technology can silence backseat drivers.
HEARING the incessant chirps of a backseat driver may soon be a thing of the past, according to Ford Motor.
According to a recent study from Ford and sociologist Jess Carbino, 68% of drivers believe that backseat driving behavior will decrease because of new driver-assist technologies.
One of these is Ford’s Co-Pilot360, which can silence backseat drivers and take the lead in helping drivers navigate roads. Other available driver-assist technologies such as blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking can help reduce the risk of collisions and build confidence in certain driving situations while always allowing the driver to remain in control.
For the study, Ford teamed with Carbino, best known for her work with Bumble, and confirmed that backseat drivers can cause more harm than good for the wellbeing of those inside the vehicle.
“For a lot of drivers, constantly getting advice from passengers is more than just annoying, it’s stressful,” Carbino said. “The Ford Co-Pilot360 helps encourage trust during the drive and can help create a more relaxed, collaborative atmosphere in the car.”
Ford said the study’s findings contradict a growing belief that technology inhibits human connection. Insights from the study show that while backseat driving can cause in-vehicle relationships to suffer, driver-assist technology can help avoid unnecessary backseat banter.
Ford said the data also suggests that since respondents have confidence in the technology, it can help eliminate the perceived need for their backseat driving input.
“Certainly the intent of Ford Co-Pilot360 was not to eliminate backseat driving,” said Chris Billman, Ford Co-Pilot360 engineering manager. “But, hey, if we can help in that way too, that’s great!”
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