A recent fatal crash in San Antonio, Texas, involving a Ford electric vehicle that may have been using a partially automated driving system is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash occurred on February 24 on Interstate 10 where a Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV equipped with the company’s partially automated driving system collided with the rear of a Honda CR-V that was stopped in one of the highway lanes.
The NTSB’s interest in investigating this fatal crash lies in their continued interest in advanced driver assistance systems and how vehicle operators interact with these technologies. Ford’s Blue Cruise system, which is equipped in the Mustang Mach-E SUV, allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while it handles steering, braking, and acceleration on highways. However, it is essential to note that the system is not fully autonomous and it requires drivers to pay attention to the road.
The NTSB has dispatched a team of investigators to San Antonio to examine the wreckage, collect information about the crash scene, and investigate the events leading up to the collision. A preliminary report is expected to be released within 30 days. On the other hand, Ford has stated that they are researching the crash and the facts are not yet clear. The company has expressed sympathy to those involved and reported the crash to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Both the NHTSA and the NTSB have previously investigated multiple crashes involving partially automated driving systems, with most of them involving Tesla’s Autopilot. In past investigations, the NTSB has delved into how these partially automated systems functioned during the crashes.
The investigation into autonomous vehicle crashes is crucial to understanding the functioning of advanced driver assistance systems and ensuring the safety of drivers and road users. By analyzing these incidents, experts can identify potential flaws in the technology and improve safety measures for the future. The NTSB’s thorough investigation into the San Antonio crash will provide valuable insights into the interaction between drivers and partially automated driving systems.
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