In a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Thursday, it was revealed that the driver of a Ford electric SUV involved in a fatal crash in Texas in February was utilizing Ford's partially automated driving system, known as "Blue Cruise," at the time of the accident.

The data obtained from the 2022 Mustang Mach E SUV indicated that the Blue Cruise system was in use leading up to the crash, which is one of two recent fatal wrecks involving Ford Mustang Mach Es currently under investigation by the NTSB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Both incidents involved the Mustang Mach Es colliding with other vehicles that were stopped on freeways at night. Despite the presence of the automated driving system, neither the driver nor the system were able to prevent these collisions. The NTSB, while capable only of making recommendations, intends to issue safety guidelines to prevent similar crashes in the future. On the other hand, the NHTSA has the authority to take action, including initiating recalls for safety concerns.

Ford, in its defense, maintains on its website that their driving systems are not designed to substitute human drivers and that operators must be prepared to take control of the vehicle at all times. The company's spokesperson refrained from commenting on the NTSB report, citing cooperation with the ongoing investigations.

The Texas crash occurred on February 24 on Interstate 10 in San Antonio, resulting in the death of the 56-year-old driver of a 1999 Honda CR-V, which was stationary in the middle lane. Another driver who managed to avoid the collision informed investigators that the CR-V's tail and hazard lights were not functioning during the incident.

Similarly, a second fatal crash involving a Ford Mustang Mach E occurred on March 3 at approximately 3:20 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that a Mach E struck a stationary Hyundai Elantra, which had earlier collided with a Toyota Prius. The impact pushed the Hyundai into the rear of the Prius, while the driver of the Prius, who was outside of the vehicle, was also struck and thrown into the southbound lanes. The crash claimed the lives of two young males, aged 21 and 20.

Authorities have reported that a criminal investigation is underway in relation to the Philadelphia crash, and charges of homicide by motor vehicle while driving under the influence may be filed against the 23-year-old woman driving the Mach E.

Ford's Blue Cruise system offers a level of automation that enables drivers to relinquish control of the steering wheel while it manages acceleration, braking, and steering on highways. However, the company emphasizes that the system is not fully autonomous and constantly monitors the driver's attention to the road. According to Ford, the Blue Cruise system operates on 97% of controlled access highways in the United States and Canada.

The engagement of partially automated driving systems in fatal crashes has been the subject of various investigations by both the NTSB and the NHTSA in the past, with particular attention given to Tesla's Autopilot system. In previous incidents, the NTSB has examined the functionality of these systems and how they interact with drivers.

As the investigations into these fatal crashes involving Ford Mustang Mach Es continue, it remains imperative for automakers and regulators to ensure the safe and responsible integration of automated technology to protect both drivers and pedestrians on the roads.