In a recent report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), it has been revealed that the driver of a Ford electric SUV involved in a fatal crash in Texas was using the company's partially automated driving system, called "Blue Cruise," before the accident occurred. The NTSB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are currently investigating two separate fatal wrecks involving Ford Mustang Mach Es, both of which occurred at night and resulted in collisions with stationary vehicles on freeways.

According to the preliminary report, data from the 2022 Mustang Mach E SUV showed that the Blue Cruise driver-assist system was in use prior to the February 24 crash on Interstate 10 in San Antonio. The SUV collided with the rear of a 1999 Honda CR-V that was stopped in the middle of three lanes, tragically resulting in the death of the 56-year-old driver of the CR-V. A witness who managed to avoid the collision informed investigators that the CR-V's tail and hazard lights were not functioning at the time.

The NTSB, while limited in its authority to make recommendations, is planning to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar crashes. Meanwhile, the NHTSA has the power to take action, including pursuing recalls for safety concerns. Ford has emphasized on its website that its driving systems are designed to assist human drivers and not replace them, stating that the driver must be ready to take control at any moment.

Another fatal crash involving a Ford Mustang Mach E occurred on March 3 on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia. The vehicle, traveling in the left lane, struck a stationary Hyundai Elantra that had previously been involved in a collision with a Toyota Prius. The impact caused the Hyundai to hit the rear of the Prius, resulting in the death of the 21-year-old driver of the Prius and a person from the Hyundai who was on the roadway. The driver of the Mach E, a 23-year-old woman, may face charges of homicide by motor vehicle while driving under the influence.

Ford's Blue Cruise system enables drivers to temporarily relinquish steering control while the system oversees steering, braking, and acceleration on highways. Although the company emphasizes that the system is not fully autonomous and requires drivers to remain attentive to the road, the NTSB and the NHTSA have been investigating previous incidents involving partially automated driving systems, particularly Tesla's Autopilot.

As investigations continue into these fatal crashes, there is growing interest in understanding how advanced driver assistance systems operate and how they interact with vehicle operators. The NTSB, with its limited authority, aims to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The NHTSA has the power to take further actions, including potential recalls, in order to address any safety concerns that may arise.