US highway security investigators have discovered Ford’s semi-autonomous driving software program was engaged when a Mustang Mach-E crashed into the again of one other automobile, ensuing within the demise of that automotive’s driver.
Marketed as BlueCruise, Ford claims the system can speed up, cease and alter lanes robotically on 97 per cent of all highways within the US and Canada, with out the motive force needing to the touch the steering wheel.
It’s just like Tesla’s controversial Full Self-Driving software program, although Ford’s system can solely be used on predesignated highways, whereas FSD can now be enabled on any US highway.
Final month, the Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) opened an investigation right into a crash close to San Antonio, Texas during which a Ford Mustang Mach-E drove into the again of a stationary Honda CR-V in site visitors.
The Honda’s 56-year-old driver was killed on account of the influence, and San Antonio police quickly reported the Ford was being pushed by “partial automation”.
The NTSB’s subsequent investigation has discovered this to be the case, saying the BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system was engaged within the lead as much as the deadly crash.
One witness to the incident informed investigators the CR-V’s brake lights weren’t functioning, which caught them off guard and led them to swerve to keep away from the stationary Honda. The Ford behind them didn’t deviate from its path.
The NTSB has subsequently opened a second investigation regarding Ford’s BlueCruise know-how, following one other deadly crash during which a Mustang Mach-E bumped into the again of two automobiles in Philadelphia.
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The aftermath of the Mustang Mach-E’s influence with the CR-V -
As with the San Antonio incident, the automobiles – a Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Prius – have been stopped in site visitors when the Ford struck them from behind. The drivers of each stationary automobiles have been killed.
This crash remains to be underneath investigation, and Ford is aiding the NTSB.
Ford’s BlueCruise system isn’t obtainable in Australia, as native laws don’t allow using hands-free semi-autonomous driving programs.
The Blue Oval isn’t the one model that’s being investigated for points with its semi-autonomous driving tech.
The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) has opened greater than 40 investigations since 2016 into crashes allegedly involving Teslas with their Autopilot system energetic.
Collectively, these crashes have resulted in 23 deaths.