Ford's BlueCruise hands-free system under US scanner after fatal accidents
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), a division of US's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has launched an investigation into Ford's autonomous driving system, BlueCruise. This follows two fatal accidents in Texas and Pennsylvania where the system was reportedly engaged. These incidents mark the first reported fatalities associated with the use of BlueCruise. Here's everything we know.
BlueCruise under scrutiny following fatalities
The investigation focuses on BlueCruise, a feature offered on select Ford models including the Mustang Mach-E, certain versions of Ford F-150s (including the Lightning), Explorers, and Expeditions. The National Transportation Safety Board has already begun an investigation into the Texas accident. Amid these developments, Ford has pledged to cooperate fully with NHTSA throughout its investigation.
ODI's previous investigation into Tesla's Autopilot
This recent inquiry into BlueCruise comes on the heels of ODI's notable investigation into Tesla's Autopilot. Initiated in 2021, the probe was triggered by several reports of Teslas, colliding with stationary emergency vehicles while drivers were using Autopilot. Upon concluding the investigation, ODI highlighted a "critical safety gap between drivers' expectations of [Autopilot's] operating capabilities and the system's true capabilities" leading to "foreseeable misuse and avoidable crashes."
How does BlueCruise work?
Ford launched BlueCruise in 2021, as a feature designed for use only on pre-mapped highways. It includes a camera-based driver monitoring system that ensures drivers' eyes stay on the road when the system is active, imposing stricter requirements than those set by Tesla for Autopilot use. Despite high ratings from sources like Consumer Reports, the recent accidents and investigations suggest potential issues with advanced driver assistance systems.
