Federal investigators revealed on Thursday that the driver of a Ford electric SUV involved in a fatal crash in Texas in February was utilizing the company’s semi-automated driving system prior to the accident.
According to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), data retrieved from the 2022 Mustang Mach E SUV indicated that Ford’s “Blue Cruise” driver-assist system was engaged before the crash on February 24. This incident, along with another fatal crash involving Ford Mustang Mach Es, is currently being investigated by both the NTSB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), agencies often tasked with examining incidents related to automated technology.
While the NTSB can issue recommendations, the NHTSA has the authority to take regulatory actions, including implementing recalls for safety concerns.
In both accidents, which occurred at night on freeways, the Mach Es collided with stationary vehicles, with neither the driver nor the automated system able to prevent the collisions. Ford emphasizes on its website that its driving systems are not meant to replace human drivers, who must remain ready to take control at all times.
Regarding the NTSB report, a spokesperson for Ford declined to comment on Thursday, referring to a previous statement indicating the company’s cooperation with the investigations.
The Texas crash happened on Interstate 10 in San Antonio, where the Mach E rear-ended a 1999 Honda CR-V that was stopped in the middle of three lanes, resulting in the death of the CR-V’s 56-year-old driver.
The NTSB intends to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents, citing ongoing interest in advanced driver assistance systems and their interaction with vehicle operators.
Another crash involving a Mach E occurred in Philadelphia on March 3, claiming the lives of two individuals. The Pennsylvania State Police are conducting a criminal investigation and are considering a charge of homicide by motor vehicle against the 23-year-old woman driving the Mach E.
Ford’s Blue Cruise system permits drivers to momentarily relinquish control of the steering wheel while it manages steering, braking, and acceleration on highways. Ford emphasizes that the system is not fully autonomous and continuously monitors drivers to ensure they remain attentive to the road. Additionally, the system operates on 97% of controlled-access highways in the U.S. and Canada.
It’s important to note that fully autonomous vehicles are not yet available for public purchase in the U.S.
Both the NHTSA and the NTSB have previously investigated multiple crashes involving partially automated driving systems, with many involving Tesla’s Autopilot. In previous investigations, the NTSB has assessed the functionality of these systems.
