Ford’s Blue Cruise at Center of Deadly Hands-Free Driving Investigation by NHTSA

In response to two fatal crashes involving Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal investigation. The system was first introduced in 2021 and is now available in several models from Ford and Lincoln.

The investigation will focus specifically on Blue Cruise in the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs, as both crashes occurred in these vehicles. 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 took place at night, resulting in at least one fatality in each incident. One crash occurred in San Antonio, while the other took place in Philadelphia. The NHTSA aims to determine the circumstances that led to these fatal accidents involving Blue Cruise in Ford vehicles.

Ford has stated that they are cooperating with regulators regarding the investigation but was not immediately available for comment on CNN’s request for a response. However, it is clear that this investigation will have significant implications for both Ford and consumers of hands-free driving technology.