Ford's assisted-driving software is currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after its in-car technology was linked to the fatal crash in Texas.
The probe was launched following initial reports indicating that the Ford Mustang Mach-E struck the Honda CR-V while under "partial automation" with its BlueCruise hand-free driver-assist system.
(Photo : Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images)
The road accident, which happened on Feb. 24, in San Antonio, Texas, killed 56-year-old Jeffrey Allen Johnson of Austin who was driving the Honda CR-V.
According to the NTSB, the investigation on driving assistant system "due to its continued interest in advanced driver assistance systems and how vehicle operators interact with these technologies," Reuters reported.
The automaker already said that it will "collaborate fully with any resulting investigation."
Ford's BlueCruise system, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheels, brakes, and accelerator, is operational on 97% of controlled access highways in the US and Canada.
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Driving Assistant Software Under Scrutiny Over Safety Concerns
The NSTB's investigation on the BlueCruise system follows after the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety failed almost all driving assistant software with its new evaluation rating.
The new Partial Automation Safeguard Rating placed BlueCruise's safety features and overall rating at "Poor."
Ford's Adaptive Cruise Control system, as well as assistant driving software from BMW, Genesis, Mercedes, Nissan, and Tesla, also received "Poor" ratings.
The new safeguard evaluation was prompted by the increasing number of road accidents involving the hands-free driving system.
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Self-Driving Tech Continues to Expand Amid Rising Incidents
Despite safety concerns about the technology, automakers have been reportedly integrating the system into their latest models as car manufacturers move towards EV production.
California's and Texas' regulators have earlier been reported as starting to admit more self-driving services into its cities amid protests from its residents and local governments.
