Courtesy Ford offers Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, which is available in several models from the automaker. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is conducting a formal investigation specifically focused on Blue Cruise in the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV. This investigation comes after two fatal crashes involving the Blue Cruise system.
Blue Cruise was first introduced in the 2021 model year and is now available in various Ford and Lincoln models. The Blue Cruise in question is installed in 130,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs. This system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and feet off the pedals while driving on specified highways. It uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and map data to keep the vehicle in its lane, adjust speed, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. An internal camera also monitors the driver to ensure they are paying attention to the road.
Both fatal crashes involving the Blue Cruise system occurred at night, with at least one person killed in each incident. One crash happened in San Antonio, and the other occurred in Philadelphia. The NHTSA investigation will focus on the system’s performance in driving the vehicle and its capability to monitor the driver.
Ford has expressed willingness to cooperate with regulators regarding the investigation, although they have not provided any official comments to news sources. The investigation will shed light on the effectiveness and safety of the Blue Cruise system in Ford’s vehicles.