The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system following a tragic accident involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E. The incident occurred on February 24 in San Antonio, Texas, prompting concerns about the role of the advanced driver-assist system.
According to initial reports from the NTSB, a BlueCruise-equipped Mustang Mach-E collided with the rear of a stationary Honda CR-V on Highway 10, resulting in the death of the CR-V driver. The NTSB’s interest in the case stems from its ongoing focus on advanced driver assistance systems and their interaction with vehicle operators.
Reuters reports that a San Antonio police report indicated the Mach-E was operating with “partial automation” at the time of the crash. The NTSB aims to release its preliminary findings within 30 days to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In response to the investigation, a Ford spokesperson expressed condolences to those affected and emphasized the company’s commitment to safety. Ford promptly notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) upon learning of the incident and pledged full cooperation with any ensuing inquiries.
BlueCruise, categorized as a Level 2 autonomous system, requires drivers to remain vigilant and ready to intervene when necessary. Equipped vehicles feature monitoring technology to ensure driver attentiveness, with the system deactivating if prolonged distraction is detected.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of advanced driver-assist systems, with organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently raising concerns about their effectiveness. Alongside the NTSB, other safety agencies like the NHTSA are actively examining the safety implications of these evolving technologies.