Investigation underway by NTSB into deadly Ford Mach-E crash in Philadelphia

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating a fatal crash involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E and two stationary cars in Philadelphia on March 3. The crash raised concerns that an advanced driver assistance system may have been in use at the time. This incident marks the second recent Ford crash under investigation by both NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) where a driver assistance system is suspected to have been utilized.

The tragic March 3 collision occurred on the I-95 interstate highway, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and significant traffic disruption. The NTSB, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police, is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Ford’s BlueCruise is an advanced hands-free driving system designed for use on 97% of highways in the U.S. and Canada, excluding intersections or areas with traffic signals. This technology has sparked interest and raised questions about the potential impact of driver assistance systems on road safety.

In light of recent events, NHTSA and NTSB are also looking into a previous fatal crash involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E in San Antonio, Texas, on February 24. The investigation revealed that the Mach-E, equipped with a driver assistance system, collided with a stationary vehicle on Interstate Highway 10. The San Antonio police reported that “partial automation” was engaged in the Ford at the time of the accident.

Ford has been cooperative with the investigations and has reported the incidents to NHTSA as required. The company issued a statement expressing their commitment to understanding the facts surrounding the March 3 crash and working closely with regulatory agencies.

NHTSA regularly conducts special crash investigations to address emerging technologies and potential safety concerns in the automotive industry. Similar investigations have been initiated in the past, including over 40 cases involving Tesla’s Autopilot system that resulted in 23 crash-related deaths. Tesla recently agreed to recall 2 million vehicles to implement enhanced safety measures for Autopilot.

The NTSB has also taken an interest in examining advanced driver assistance systems, with a special focus on Tesla’s Autopilot. These investigations aim to improve safety standards and ensure responsible use of driver assistance technologies in the automotive sector.