The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is conducting a formal investigation into Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving system following two fatal crashes involving the technology. The investigation specifically focuses on Blue Cruise in the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs.
Blue Cruise allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and feet off the pedals when driving on selected highways. The system uses cameras, sensors, and detailed map data to keep the vehicle in its lane and adjust its speed to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. An internal camera monitors the driver to ensure they are paying attention to the road.
Both crashes where the Blue Cruise system was in use occurred at night, resulting in at least one fatality in each incident. One crash took place in San Antonio, and the other in Philadelphia. The investigation will examine both the system’s performance in driving the vehicle and its ability to monitor the driver.
Ford has stated that they are cooperating with regulators regarding the investigation but was not immediately available to comment on CNN’s request for a response. The investigation aims to determine the circumstances that led to these fatal crashes involving Blue Cruise in Ford vehicles, as well as any potential safety concerns that may arise from using this technology while driving.