Ford drivers could get alerts from nearby pedestrians’ phones

Ford is working on a mobile app.

The app will be on display at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America's World Congress in Los Angeles. Potential crash risks are then calculated by the system.

The technology will be demonstrated using research from Commsignia, PSS, Ohio State University and Tome Software. According to Ford, the technology could be used to detect construction workers.

The function is meant to complement the advanced driver assistance system. Automatic lane keeping is included in the safety package.

Jim Buczkowski, Ford's executive director of research and advanced engineering, said that newer Ford vehicles can detect and help warn drivers of pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter riders and others. To help people drive even more confidently on roads shared by others using their two feet or two wheels, we are exploring ways to expand vehicle sensor capability.

Radio waves can be used to sense behind buildings and other obstructions instead of relying on cameras or radar. A key factor for drivers who might need to respond quickly is how far away a pedestrian may be detected.

The technology is available in a wide range of devices, from phones to tablets. Ford's application is able to communicate with other similarly-equipped devices.