Ford's BlueCruise Hands-Free System Is the Subject of NTSB Probe

• The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the role that Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system had in a recent fatal crash.

• The NTSB indicates a BlueCruise-equipped Mustang Mach-E struck the rear of a Honda CR-V that was stationary on Highway 10 in San Antonio, Texas; the CR-V driver later died.

• Both the NTSB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have investigated driver-assistance systems in the past.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into Ford's BlueCruise hand-free driver-assist system. The probe was spurred by a recent fatal crash that involved a Ford Mustang Mach-E equipped with BlueCruise. The accident occurred on February 24 in San Antonio, Texas. The NTSB's initial report states the Mach-E struck the rear end of a stationary Honda CR-V on Highway 10. The CR-V driver later died.

According to Reuters, a San Antonio police report said the Mach-E had "partial automation" engaged when the crash occurred. The Reuters report also states that the NTSB chose to investigate the crash "due to its continued interest in advanced driver assistance systems and how vehicle operators interact with these technologies." The NTSB's initial report should be available within 30 days.