PETALING JAYA: Ford in Malaysia is promoting greater awareness to members of the public with tips for drivers, a showcase of safety and driver assistance technologies and a particular focus on child safety on Aug 6 and 7 at the ground floor of 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya.

Admission is free and Ford experts will be on hand to share advice on a range of safety topics.

“Road safety relies on good driving habits as well as safer vehicles, and Ford is committed to addressing both,” said managing director, Malaysia and Asia Pacific emerging markets, Ford Motor Company, David Westerman.

The tour comprises a 40-minute safety briefings every half hour through a series of exhibits and interactive displays.

Among them include the specifically designed suits that Ford engineers use in developing vehicles to address the needs of drivers with specific mobility issues such as the Empathy Belly for simulating pregnant women and the Third Age Suit for the effects age has on the senses.

Visitors will also be introduced to demonstrations of the Ford Sync 2, the in-vehicle communications and entertainment system which allows drivers to stay connected while keeping their hands on the wheel. Other Ford innovations include the first-ever production inflatable seatbelts for rear occupants.

Also featured is the MyKey, which allows Ford owners to program a key for themselves and younger drivers that limits top speed, reduces maximum radio volume, disables the radio until the seatbelts are fastened among others.

As for future improvements of safety with Ford is the development of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I).

“In coming years, we may see more services based on two-way V2V communication systems, allowing cars to communicate with each other about driving and traffic conditions, even when they are out of sight,” said director of sustainability, environment & safety engineering, Ford Asia Pacific, Pete Hardigan.