In total, there are approximately 130,000 Ford vehicles with Blue Cruise on the road. If NHTSA and Ford were to issue a recall, it would have far-reaching consequences. If, like the Tesla Autopilot issue, it can be fixed with a software update, it would not be so complicated for Ford. If the owner needs to take the car into a Ford store to fix it, as is happening with Cyber Trucks, it will be a more complicated process.
When PCMag reached out to Ford for comment, we were told, "We are working with NHTSA to support the investigation." Ford representatives did not elaborate on whether a recall is planned or if these are isolated incidents.
When using BlueCruise or other hands-free driving technologies on the market, the automaker advises drivers to remain alert and focused on the road for contingencies. Ford's technology is supposed to alert drivers when they need to take control. It is unclear whether drivers were paying attention in these specific accidents, or whether they received warnings before the accidents occurred. Perhaps that is part of what the NHTSA is investigating.
It appears that there is still a long way to go before self-driving cars will rule the road. Certainly, hands-free driving and Tesla's Autopilot have made great strides in a short period of time, but there still seems to be a lot of work needed.
Comments