The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal investigation into Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving system following two deadly accidents involving the technology. First introduced in 2021, Blue Cruise is now available in several models from Ford and Lincoln.
The focus of the investigation is on Blue Cruise in the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs. The system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel and feet off the pedals when driving on selected highways. It 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 accidents where Blue Cruise was in use took place at night, resulting in at least one fatality each time. One crash occurred in San Antonio, while another happened in Philadelphia. The investigation will examine both the system’s performance while driving and its ability to monitor drivers.
Ford has stated that they are cooperating with regulators regarding the investigation but were not immediately available for comment on CNN’s request for a response. The investigation aims to determine what led to these fatal crashes involving Blue Cruise systems used by Ford vehicles.