Chicago, Illinois – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching an investigation into Ford Motor Company’s BlueCruise driver-assisted technology after several fatal crashes were linked to the software’s use. This move comes as the NHTSA delves into the system’s performance and driver monitoring in light of two fatal crashes in San Antonio, Texas, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2024.
Ford introduced the driverless technology in 2021, offering a hands-free driving experience on pre-mapped highways and other roads. The company’s CEO, Jim Farley, had previously lauded the technology as profitable and innovative, emphasizing its success in the market despite the recent incidents. The vehicles involved in the crashes were reported to have struck stationary objects during nighttime conditions, resulting in fatalities in each occurrence.
The NHTSA’s investigation centers on Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 software, specifically those manufactured between 2021 and 2024. Ford has expressed cooperation with the NHTSA in supporting the investigation, highlighting their commitment to addressing safety concerns and improving the performance of their driver-assist system.
In a report dated April 25, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation outlined the scope of the inquiry, focusing on the functionality of the BlueCruise system and its impact on driving tasks. The agency’s scrutiny of Ford’s technology marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of autonomous driving systems and their integration into mainstream vehicle models.
Ford’s investments in autonomous driving technologies have been significant, with Farley announcing updates and enhancements to the BlueCruise system in recent months. Despite the challenges posed by the fatal crashes, Ford remains optimistic about the future of driver-assist technologies and their potential to revolutionize the automotive industry.
As the NHTSA continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crashes involving Ford vehicles, the implications for the broader automotive industry and the development of autonomous driving systems remain paramount. The outcome of the investigation is expected to shed light on the safety and efficacy of driver-assist technologies, prompting a reevaluation of industry standards and regulations in the pursuit of enhanced road safety.