The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to scrutinize advanced driver-assistance systems that permit drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel. This renewed focus stems from federal investigators wrapping up their review of two fatal accidents involving Ford’s Blue Cruise system during 2024.

NTSB Hearing on Partially Automated Driving Systems

Investigating 2024 Fatal Incidents

The NTSB is expected to issue recommendations aimed at enhancing the safety of these partially automated driving technologies. The investigation centers on crashes in Texas and Pennsylvania where Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles struck stopped cars, resulting in three fatalities.

This is not the first time the NTSB has looked into such technology; they have previously investigated crashes linked to similar systems, including Tesla's Autopilot.

Automaker Stance vs. Investigator Concerns

Ford, along with other manufacturers, maintains that these systems are aids, not replacements for human drivers. They stress that drivers must remain ready to take immediate control at any moment.

However, the NTSB investigation is specifically examining the efficacy of these systems and how well they monitor driver attentiveness. Missy Cummings, an engineering and computing professor at George Mason University, noted the inherent risks.

Cummings stated, "Allowing people to take their hands off the wheel will also mean they will likely take their minds off the driving task.”

Details of the Tragic Accidents

Texas Crash on Interstate 10

One fatal incident occurred on Interstate 10 in San Antonio around 9:50 p.m. The NTSB report indicates the Mach-E collided with the rear of a 1999 Honda CR-V that was stationary in the middle of three lanes.

The 56-year-old driver of the CR-V was killed in the collision. Another driver nearby reported that the stopped CR-V had neither its tail lights nor hazard lights activated at the time.

Pennsylvania Crash on Interstate 95

The second crash, which killed two individuals, took place around 3:20 a.m. on March 3 in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia. The Ford vehicle struck a stationary Hyundai Elantra, which had previously collided with a Toyota Prius.

Tragically, the driver of the Prius, who was outside his vehicle at the time, was struck and thrown into the southbound lanes. A person who was on the roadway from the Hyundai was also hit, and both young men subsequently died.

Ford Blue Cruise Functionality

Ford’s Blue Cruise system permits drivers to operate the vehicle hands-free on highways, handling steering, acceleration, and braking. The company asserts that the system is not fully autonomous and incorporates monitoring features to ensure driver focus.