Ford’s Blue Cruise autonomous driving technology is under the microscope after a fatal crash where the driver was reportedly using the system. While much attention has been paid to Tesla Autopilot crashes, this shows that it isn’t the only autonomous drive technology which is being scrutinized for its effectiveness.
A Tesla jumped a pool and crashed into a house.
According to a preliminary report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board, a 2022 Ford Mach-E with Blue Cruise active ran into a stopped 1999 Honda CR-V at about 9:50 pm on February 24. That collision killed the Honda driver, but there was some question initially about whether the Ford driver was operating the all-electric crossover or if the automated driving assistance tech was running.
Now investigators have concluded Blue Cruise was active, leading to questions about why it didn’t apply the brakes. After all, the section of the Interstate 10 where the crash happened was well-lit.
The NTSB report includes information from an interview conducted with a driver who was in front of the Ford. She claims the stopped Honda didn’t have its emergency flashers or taillights on. Still, she saw the vehicle and changed lanes, avoiding a collision.
That’s all we know for now as NTSB continues its investigation. Our main thought is that all these driver assistance technologies have perhaps given people a false sense of security. Many seem to think they don’t have to pay attention and stay actively engaged in driving because their car will warn about any dangers and even help avoid them, if not take action itself to prevent a crash.
But as we see in this and many other examples, these technologies aren’t foolproof. While many technology-worshipping people like to focus on human errors, the fact is tech also messes up and sometimes people die.
If you have a car with any level of driver aids, we suggest not getting lax and thinking the vehicle will save you from any threats on the road. Those technologies should enhance your vigilance, not replace it.
Images via NTSB
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