News analysis
Cruising towards the future
Ford has announced a major breakthrough for UK deployment of assisted driving technology. Sean Keywood reports.
A
hands-free driver assistance system has been made available with Ford’s Mustang Mach-E EV in the UK, after the
manufacturer secured government approval for its use.
The BlueCruise system will allow
drivers to take their hands off the wheel on 2,300 miles of pre-mapped motorways in England, Scotland, and Wales. The system – already in operation in the US and Canada, where it is said to have covered 64 million hands-free miles – is available with 2023 model-year Mustang Mach-Es, via subscription.
The system monitors road markings, speed signs and traffic conditions to control steering, acceleration, braking and lane positioning, as well as to maintain safe and consistent distances to vehicles ahead, including by bringing the vehicle to a complete stop in traffic jams. The system can be used at speeds of up
to 80mph and requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road, which is monitored using infrared camera technology. If the system detects driver inattention,
warnings are displayed, followed by audible alerts, brake activations, and finally slowing of the vehicle while maintaining steering control. Ford plans to roll out the technology to other vehicles in its line-up in the years ahead, and is also exploring ways to make it available to drivers of Mustang Mach-Es built prior to this year. Ford UK and Ireland managing director Lisa Brankin said: “Today marks a significant moment for our industry as Ford BlueCruise becomes the first hands- free driving system of its kind to receive approval for use in Great Britain. “We have always strived to make technology accessible for our customers, and BlueCruise is this next step on this journey, making motorway driving a more
comfortable experience.” Reacting to the news, Tom Leggett of insurance industry organisation Thatcham Research discussed the significance of BlueCruise being classed as a ‘Level 2’ automated driving system, which requires the driver’s eyes to remain on the road, rather than ‘Level 3’, which would allow them to look elsewhere. He said: “Although the vehicle can help control speed and position in lane, the driver is still wholly responsible for safety. “It’s therefore no surprise that Ford and other car makers are looking to introduce technologies like this ahead of ‘Level 3’ automated lane-keeping systems, which have experienced lingering questions around liability especially.
“Because BlueCruise users remain responsible and liable, a lot of the legal and technical complexities of automation and self-driving have been avoided, while still offering drivers a beneficial comfort
feature that can reduce fatigue on long, monotonous journeys. “We would expect car makers to ensure safe adoption by way of driver education and clear messaging in the vehicle manual and on the dashboard.” Giving his reaction, RAC spokesperson Simon Williams said: “While the thought of taking your hands off the wheel goes against everything drivers have been taught, this technology has the potential to make our roads much safer. “Too many motorway accidents result from drivers going into the back of other vehicles or drifting from their lanes, so systems that can prevent these issues from happening should help avoid countless collisions.
“The use of cameras to monitor drivers’
eyes and head positions to ensure they remain alert overcomes the major concern many will have with not having either hand on the wheel.”
www.businesscar.co.uk | May 2023 | 13
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
