U.S. authorities probe fatal collisions related to Ford's Blue Cruise autonomous driving system.
First introduced in the 2021 model year, Blue Cruise is a hands-free driving feature available in various models from Ford and its luxury brand, Lincoln. Specifically, 130,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs are being investigated due to this feature.
Blue Cruise allows drivers to let go of the steering wheel and relax their feet from the pedals while driving on selected highways. The system involves cameras, sensors, and detailed map data to maintain lane position and regulate speed, ensuring a safe distance from surrounding vehicles. It also features an internal camera to monitor the driver and ensure they're focused on the road.
Recently, two fatal crashes occurred where the Blue Cruise system was functioning just before the incident. Both accidents occurred at night, leading to at least one fatality in each case. One crash happened in San Antonio, and the other in Philadelphia.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will inquire into the system's performance while controlling the vehicle and its driver-monitoring capabilities.
Ford has not yet replied to CNN's inquiry for comment on the investigation but has stated they're working with regulators, as mentioned in a Reuters article.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
