A special 'Christmas Jumper' Christmas sweater was born, an item of clothing that does not have a particular elegance, but which should be appreciated for an extra, really important gift.
He did this as part of the Ford Europe 'Share The Road' safety campaign and serves to highlight the safety distance around a bike, scooter or e-scooter, projecting a bright image to the ground. which has the stylized shape of a fir tree.
As shown in a video available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/0i4HMXYcRQQ), it is therefore not an exaggerated piece of Christmas clothing, but a special gift - for the moment in a unique example - for the weak categories of users of the Street.
Tiny Led projectors hidden in the horns, nose and tail of the reindeer that dominates the sweatshirt decoration illuminate the asphalt around the wearer, marking a 'safe zone' of 1.5 m in the shape of a Christmas tree.
A really important contribution, especially in conditions of poor visibility, which allows other road users to evaluate how much space is sufficient when overtaking.
Almost 80% of cyclists - reports Ford - say that vehicles overtaking too close to them are the greatest threat and about 9 out of 10 cyclists claim to be 'overtaken' in a risk situation at least once a week.
Although European countries have different rules on safe overtaking distances, the value of 1.5m is generally considered a safe distance in slower traffic, but you should go up to 2.0m when traveling at speeds above 48km / h (30 mph).
It comes at a time of year when cyclists and electric scooter users are also particularly vulnerable due to the longer periods of darkness.
The 'Christmas Jumper' could be just as useful for pedestrians as safety distances have become part of the common problems.
Earlier this year, Ford unveiled an Emoji jacket as part of the campaign that aimed to reduce the tension between drivers and cyclists.
The cyclist wearing the jacket could show how he felt and also his intentions via large bright emojis that flashed on the back of the jacket, helping to promote better communication and tolerance among road users.
The Christmas Jumper is the latest in a line of Ford's wearable creations to promote awareness.
In 2015 he presented a suit to simulate the effects of driving after consuming drugs and in 2016 the Hangover Suit which reproduced the consequences - often ignored - of a hangover.
Ford has also produced a 'third age suit' and a 'pregnancy suit' to better understand the needs of older drivers and expectant mothers.
'' The Christmas Jumper 'Safe Distance' can be fun - commented Emmanuel Lubrani, head of Ford of Europe's Share The Road initiative - but the message it sends is serious;
We all need to be aware of other road users and make sure everyone gets home for Christmas, regardless of the mode of transport they use. ''