US Probes Ford Hands-Free Driving Tech After Crashes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. This is because there were two deadly crashes involving this tech. People are worried about how safe and effective driver assistance systems are. They’re especially concerned about these systems’ ability to cut down on human mistakes.
In February, a Ford Mustang Mach-E was using BlueCruise. It crashed into a stationary Honda. The crash resulted in the death of the other driver. The second crash happened in March in Philadelphia, both incidents happening at night while the system was engaged.
Ford Hands-Free Driving Tech BlueCruise helps drivers by allowing them to drive hands-free on specific roads, like motorways. It has eye-tracking cameras that check if the driver is paying attention. If needed, it asks the driver to take control of the vehicle.
The NHTSA is starting a preliminary probe. It will look into BlueCruise’s driver monitoring. The probe will also examine how well BlueCruise performs driving tasks. This investigation comes after another safety body, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), launched separate investigations into these two crashes.
Hands Off, Eyes On: Differences Between US and UK Regulations
BlueCruise is now approved for use on certain UK motorways. However, its implementation and regulation differ from those in the US. In the UK, it is currently the only permitted driver assistance technology that allows hands off the wheel. However, it can only operate on specified sections of road and up to a maximum speed of 81mph (130kmh).
The hands off, eyes on feature was launched in April last year after receiving government approval. Transport Minister Jesse Norman complimented driver assistance systems. He said they make driving smoother and easier. They also help in reducing human errors. This makes roads safer.
The Department for Transport has not commented on the US investigation. However, it mentioned that the UK approved BlueCruise. This approval followed a thorough examination and assessment process.
Similar Concerns with Tesla’s Autopilot
The NHTSA has started a new investigation into driver assistance systems. This comes after they announced they are investigating Tesla. They are looking at how well Tesla fixed safety problems in its Autopilot system. Autopilot, like BlueCruise, is a type of Level 2 autonomous driving software. These systems need drivers to stay alert and keep their hands on the wheel.
Tesla issued a recall in December in the form of an over the air software update to more than two million of its electric vehicles. This move was in response to safety concerns raised about Autopilot’s performance.
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