Ford is shifting away from the unspoken rules of the industry which seem to mandate only luxury models come with available advanced accident-prevention technologies such as lane-departure alert. In 2012, they will offer their own lane-departure system for the very first time on the 2013 Ford Fusion.

Similar to lane-departure systems offered in vehicles from the likes of the Tri-Pointed Star and other premium brands, Ford's lane-departure system features a rearview camera and can measure the vehicle's distance between center- and side lane lines. As soon as a driver begins to cross a line, the system emits a series of warnings that appeal to driver's different senses. The first is a strong vibrating in the steering wheel and column inspired by the feeling created by crossing the grooved safety lines on a highway. If drivers do not immediately correct they're driving, the system emits an audible noise. And, last but not least a brilliantly, and might we add highly suggestive, coffee-cup icon is presented to the driver on the dash. As you can tell, the warning signals are released in a strategic order with the strongest, of course, going first.

Are there any other new Ford models drivers can expect to get the system? You bet! Ford hasn't divulged their full rollout plan at this time. But, we do know that the forthcoming Explorer is on the short list.

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