2005 Mercury Meta One Concept

Additional safety features that Ford has included in the Meta One concept include a variety of real-world technologies, some of

The Meta One is also fitted with Ford's Rollover Safety Canopy, which is a system that fires the inflatable side curtains, triggered by sensors that inflate the airbags ahead of time to prevent any injury to passengers. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

which are currently in production. For instance, Ford's Rollover Safety Canopy, featured in its lineup of sport utility vehicles, is a system which fires the inflatable side curtains, triggered by sensors that inflate the airbags ahead of time to prevent any injury to passengers.

The Safety Canopy works together with Ford's Roll Stability Control, a technology that uses a roll-rate sensor and the vehicle's brakes to assist a driver in maintaining control during extreme accident avoidance maneuvers.

As if these safety features weren't enough, Ford's Personal Safety System, featured globally in many Ford passenger vehicles,

Ford's Personal Safety System uses an assortment of sensors to measure potential crash severity plus occupant size and weight, in order to determine the power at which the multi-stage airbags should be deployed. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

includes a comprehensive assortment of sensors to measure potential crash severity plus occupant size and weight, in order to determine the power at which the multi-stage airbags should be deployed.

It should be noted that Ford is not alone in developing technologies such as its lane departure warning system. French carmaker Citroen recently announced that it will be equipping its compact C4 hatchback and C5 luxury sedan with a less complex lane departure system, also featuring seat-vibration warnings.