NTSB Investigating Ford Electric Vehicle Crash Near Philadelphia

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into a fatal crash that occurred near Philadelphia in March, involving a Ford electric vehicle operating on a partially automated driving system. The tragic incident, which took place on Interstate 95 at 3:19 a.m. on March 3, resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

Details of the Crash

According to the NTSB, a Mustang Mach E sport utility vehicle collided with two stationary passenger cars, causing both drivers of the stationary vehicles to lose their lives. There are indications that one of the drivers may have been outside of their vehicle at the time of the crash. The Mach E struck a parked Toyota Prius and subsequently rammed it into a Hyundai Elantra, leading to the fatal outcome.

Collaboration and Response

The NTSB announced on Wednesday that it will be working in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident. Following notification from the NTSB, Ford has pledged full cooperation with both the NTSB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to comprehensively understand the circumstances surrounding the events of March 3.

Ford emphasized that they are dedicated to researching the details of the crash and collaborating transparently with the investigating agencies. This crash marks the second incident this year involving a Mach E that has prompted an NTSB investigation, with the first occurring on February 24 in San Antonio, Texas.

Focus on Automated Driving Systems

Notably, the NHTSA is also conducting a separate investigation into the Texas crash, wherein the Mach E collided with a Honda CR-V on Interstate 10. This investigation revealed that the Mach E involved in the Texas crash was equipped with Ford's partially automated driving system.

The NTSB, expressing continued interest in advanced driver assistance systems and driver-technology interaction, cited the need to probe the functionality of the partially automated system in the wake of these incidents.

Ford's Blue Cruise system, designed to enable hands-off driving while on highways, offers steering, braking, and acceleration assistance but is not classified as fully autonomous. The company stresses that the system actively monitors drivers to ensure their attentiveness to the road. Notably, it operates on 97% of controlled access highways in the U.S. and Canada.