In a word, the new 2012 Ford Explorer is - safe. Among it's more notable active safety features are Curve Control (enforces auto braking when it senses a driver is taking a corner at too fast a speed), Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive (kicks in automatically with the slightest slip of the wheel), available terrain management system ( includes Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Grass/Gravel/Snow), Hill Decent Control (allows drivers to concentrate on steering while the vehicle automatically normalizes speed), AdvanceTrac with RSC (the industry's only electronic stability control system to include two gyroscopic sensors for monitoring both yaw rate and roll rate), and available rearview camera (includes a zoom feature to ensure proper towing alignment).

Why the Explorer? Well, in addition to being thoughtfully engineered with trailer sway control, MyKey, collision warning/brake support, cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, available rear-view camera, stability control, and Curve Control; it also offers state-of-the-art connectivity and voice-activated software. And, to top it all off, the award-winning SUV delivers a class-leading combination of V6 power and fuel economy.

It almost sounds too good to be true, but we assure you it's not. The new Ford Explorer delivers on all of its promises - and then some.

The other addition, Bickford Ford is both proud and happy to announce, consists of enhancements to the family-trusted MyKey features. Upgrades include:

-  "No-belts, no tunes" - Prevents drivers from listening to music before they buckle up
- Satellite radio sensor - Allows parents to deny teens access to channels featuring adult content
- A tri-setting, speed-chime alert - Deters teens from speeding over 45 mph, 55 mph, or 65 mph
- Early low-fuel warning - Starts at 75 miles to encourage drivers to maintain engine health and avoid being stranded on the side of the road

Beyond the powerful MyKey enhancements, the American automaker is also adding a lane-departure driver alert system. Ideal for late-night driving, and for correcting distracted driving, the system recognizes when the Explorer is shifting outside the lane's lines and alerts drivers via both an audio alarm and vibration in the steering wheel.

Will Ford's new lane departure system be available only in the new Explorer? Gladly, no. While the Explorer might be among the first on the list, Ford Group VP, Sue Cischke, indicates the "Lane-Keeping Driver Alert" technology will be integrated into most all Ford models within the next few years.

Want to learn more about the safety upgrades, Ford plans to integrate into the new Explorer, starting early next year - and into other new Ford models, moving forward? Contact us online, or call 800-771-4057. Otherwise, simply stop by Bickford Ford, during out regularly scheduled business hours.