Ford's "Rollercoaster test"

Ford’s “Rollercoaster Test” ensures drinks stay in the cup – or open bottle

Studies show that drivers who are not properly hydrated make the same number of errors as people who are over the drink driving limit*. Experts say we should double our liquid intake to stay safe behind the wheel, and Ford has a unique way of making that happen. As an addition to the one million miles of cup holder testing on public roads during new model development, engineers also use a “Roller Coaster Test” to ensure that lattes, fizzy drinks and cups of water don’t spill while we are on the move.

The test – during which designers and engineers take to Ford’s test track in Merkenich, Germany – subjects hundreds of different cups to 5g forces in their cup holder – equivalent to riding a theme park coaster on a high-speed slalom course before being driven at top speed.

Martin Dawid, manager, Body Engineering, Ford of Europe

“For drivers, being able to easily reach for a favourite drink is a fundamental part of a comfortable journey. But more than that, staying hydrated on the move helps drivers stay focussed on the road ahead.”

And for those about to experience a holiday hangover when the daily grind starts again, Ford’s Science of Sound playlists can come to the rescue. In a study conducted jointly with Spotify, drivers across Europe listened to different commuting playlists then had their mood analysed by Amy Belfi, a cognitive neuroscientist from New York University. She found that sad songs with a driving beat worked especially well, giving drivers a mood‑boost that can last for up to two hours after the journeys end, so choose your tunes wisely and make the end of your holiday just a little happier.



* In tests on driving simulators, thirsty drivers made double the number of errors, compared with those who had not drunk sufficient liquids.

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