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Automotive Safety · Driver Assistance Systems · Ford · NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) criticized Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system for failing to prevent driver distraction in two fatal 2024 collisions involving 2022-model-year Ford Mustang Mach-Es, resulting in three deaths.
The NTSB also faulted the lack of government regulations on driver assistance systems and questioned claims made by automakers. The agency stated Ford's driver monitoring system does not effectively address distraction and disengagement issues, allowed drivers to use the system at excessive speeds, and permitted drivers to disengage Ford’s automatic emergency braking system.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy confirmed that even Ford’s updated BlueCruise version would not have prevented these fatal crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has three pending investigations into BlueCruise and will review the NTSB’s recommendations.
Ford noted one driver was impaired by alcohol and stated it will take the NTSB’s recommendations "under serious consideration." This NTSB action follows similar investigations into other advanced driver assistance systems, including Tesla’s Autopilot, which led to a December 2023 recall of 2 million vehicles for new safeguards.
