Federal investigators revealed on Thursday that the driver of a Ford electric SUV involved in a fatal crash in Texas had been utilizing the company’s partially automated driving system prior to the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report stated that data from the 2022 Mustang Mach E SUV indicated the use of Ford’s Blue Cruise driver-assist system before the February 24 collision.

Investigating Recent Fatal Crashes

The crash in Texas is one of two recent fatal accidents involving Ford Mustang Mach Es currently under investigation by both the NTSB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These agencies often dispatch teams to probe incidents concerning automated driving technology.

Circumstances of the Crashes

In both cases, the Mach Es collided with vehicles stopped on freeways at night, and neither the driver nor the system could prevent the collisions. The Texas crash occurred on Interstate 10 in San Antonio, where the Mach E rear-ended a stationary 1999 Honda CR-V, resulting in the death of the CR-V’s 56-year-old driver.

Safety Measures and Recommendations

Ford emphasizes on its website that its driving systems do not replace human drivers, who must remain ready to assume control at any moment. The NTSB, while having only advisory authority, intends to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar accidents. The agency initiated the probe due to ongoing interest in advanced driver assistance systems and human interaction with new automotive technologies.

Another Fatal Crash

The other fatal crash involving a Mach E occurred in the early hours of March 3 on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia, claiming the lives of two individuals. A Mach E struck a stationary Hyundai Elantra, which had previously collided with a Toyota Prius. The impact resulted in additional casualties, including the driver of the Prius.

Ford’s Blue Cruise System

Ford’s Blue Cruise system allows drivers to momentarily relinquish control of steering, braking, and acceleration on highways while still requiring them to remain attentive. The system is not fully autonomous and operates on 97% of controlled-access highways in the United States and Canada, according to Ford.

Previous Investigations

Both NHTSA and the NTSB have conducted inquiries into numerous previous crashes involving partially automated driving systems, primarily focusing on Tesla’s Autopilot. Previous investigations have examined the functionality of these systems and the interactions between drivers and the technology.

Enhanced Scrutiny on Automated Driving Systems

As automated driving technology continues to evolve, these fatal crashes highlight the importance of rigorous oversight and continual improvement in ensuring the safety of both drivers and pedestrians on the roadways.

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