Hey followers! Today, let’s dive into the latest news about Ford’s BlueCruise system and the federal questions it faces.

Recently, the U.S. safety regulator has sent Ford a detailed list of questions regarding its BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. This investigation kicked off over a year ago after two tragic accidents involving the system where drivers crashed into stationary vehicles at night.

The regulator’s letter, delivered on June 18, asks Ford to provide extensive information, including vehicle lists equipped with BlueCruise, internal crash reports, and software modification details. This is a key step before potentially ordering recalls.

Ford is cooperating, according to its spokesperson, as the investigation has expanded since January, now classified as an ‘engineering analysis.’ The accidents revealed possible issues with recognizing stationary objects in poor visibility, raising safety questions similar to Tesla’s past struggles. The system operates on pre-mapped highways, using cameras and sensors to manage driving tasks, while an eye-tracking camera monitors driver attention.

The software, costing nearly $500 annually or a one-time fee of nearly $2,500, powers Ford models like the Explorer, Expedition, F-150, and Mustang Mach-E. Investigators are scrutinizing if the system effectively detects hazards, especially in low light conditions, which was a concern after the fatal crashes.

The NHTSA’s investigation emphasizes the importance of reliable hazard detection in autonomous features. Ford has until August 6 to respond to these questions, or face penalties. The ongoing probe signals the importance of safety and technological refinement in driver-assist systems, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats!