Ford BlueCruise Fatal Collision Investigation

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has escalated its investigation into Ford’s BlueCruise driving automation system following fatal collisions involving Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The investigation focuses on potential system limitations in detecting stationary vehicles at highway speeds and during nighttime conditions. NHTSA aims to evaluate these issues further and assess driver responsiveness in scenarios exceeding system capabilities.

Key Highlights:

  • Scope of Investigation: Involves 2021–2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with BlueCruise, a hands-free driving automation system.
  • Collision Details: Two fatal collisions occurred at over 70 mph with BlueCruise engaged; no braking or evasive action was taken by drivers or the system.
  • Technology Under Review: BlueCruise combines Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Assist (LCA), with ACC having identified limitations in detecting stationary vehicles at high speeds.
  • Data Analysis: 32 crashes and over 2,000 non-crash reports were reviewed, revealing trends in system limitations and unexpected manual interventions required by drivers.
  • Next Steps: NHTSA’s Engineering Analysis will further evaluate system performance, review technical data, and conduct additional crash analyses.

The investigation began in April 2024 when NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received reports of two fatal crashes involving BlueCruise-equipped vehicles. Early findings suggest limitations in the system’s ability to detect stationary vehicles at highway speeds, particularly under poor visibility or nighttime conditions. Ford designed ACC to suppress responses to stationary objects when the approach speed exceeds 62 mph, potentially contributing to these incidents.

NHTSA’s analysis includes crash reports, non-crash reports, and technical data provided by Ford. Key findings indicate instances where BlueCruise and ACC failed to initiate deceleration, requiring drivers to take abrupt manual actions to avoid collisions. The Engineering Analysis will further investigate these limitations and their impact on safety. The full investigation details, including specific crash report numbers, can be accessed at NHTSA.gov.

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Self Drive News

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