Ford makes hands-free driving available on UK highways

Following the UK’s approval of Ford’s BlueCruise technology, drivers will be allowed to lawfully take their hands off the wheel while driving.

The use of the “hands-off, eyes-on” technology on several roadways has been allowed by ministers.

While a camera will keep a watch on the driver’s eyes to ensure they remain aware, it can regulate steering, acceleration, and braking.

The technology will initially only be offered for Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E SUV versions from 2023.

In traffic congestion, it also implies that the model may maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and even bring them to a complete stop.

It is crucial to remember that this is not a self-driving car, but rather “the next development in assisted driving technology,” according to Thatcham Research, an automotive research company.

The fact that drivers will be able to take their hands off the wheel for the first time ever distinguishes it from other situations. But they must keep their focus on the road in front of them, ” said Tom Leggett, a Thatcham automotive technology specialist.

Crucially, the motorist is not allowed to use a phone, doze off, or engage in any activity that diverts their attention from the road, he continued.

The hands-off technology in the £50,830 Ford will be free for the first 90 days, after which time users must pay up for a monthly subscription.

The new model has begun to be delivered since last month. It can travel at a top speed of 80 mph and makes use of cameras and sensors to identify lane markings, speed signs, other vehicles’ locations, and speeds.

“The newest advanced driver assistance systems make driving smoother and easier, but they can also help make roads safer by reducing scope for driver error,” said Transport Minister Jesse Norman.

According to Lisa Brankin, managing director of Ford in Britain and Ireland, the car will only take control when “the system feels it’s safe” in specific “blue zones” that have been determined to be secure along 2,300 miles of pre-mapped motorways in England, Scotland, and Wales.

“If your eyes are closed, the vehicle will signal for you to take the wheel and take control… If the driver doesn’t answer, the car will gradually slow down until it comes to a stop, she explained.

She continues by saying that as the technology “does not support autonomous driving,” the driver will still be entirely liable for insurance claims in the event of an accident.

As a “Level 2” driver assistance system, Ford’s BlueCruise technology still depends on a human driver to take over in the event of an accident.

According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, there are six stages of autonomous driving:

• Level 0: Very limited automation, including features like automated brakes that offer some alerts or assistance.
• Level 1: Driver aid, in which a single aspect is controlled by technology, such as cruise control
• Level 2: Partial automation, in which at least two parts of driving are managed by technology, such as speed control and self-parking.
• Level 3: Conditional automation, in which almost all driving decisions are made by technology, but the driver must still be there to correct any potential errors. At this point, drivers may occasionally avert their eyes from the road.
• Level 4: High automation, when technology typically doesn’t need human contact. Currently, this is only possible in a few locations with low speed restrictions and clearly marked roads. Regulation currently limits this kind of automation.
• Level 5: Complete automation, where no driver assistance is required at all
• Since 2021, Ford’s technology has been accessible in the US and Canada. According to the article, more than 190,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles have used the technology to go more than 60 million miles over the past couple of years without any incidents being reported.

The first technology authorised for hands-free driving in the UK is Ford’s BlueCruise. On UK highways, it will allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel at speeds of up to 70 mph for possibly hundreds of miles. But how sophisticated is it?

Today, a lot of cars have level 2 vehicle autonomy. Although they can brake, steer, and accelerate on their own, the driver must always be in charge and paying attention.

Level 2 still applies to Ford’s BlueCruise and Tesla’s Autopilot, for instance. This is due to the fact that the driver must still pay attention, and measures are in place to make sure they do.

Mercedes has created the most cutting-edge system currently available. Drive Pilot is a system that enables drivers to take their hands off the wheel and focus totally on something else, including watching films.

However, it can only operate at a certain pace and in certain “geo-fenced” zones. It is accessible in Germany and Nevada but has not yet received approval for use in the UK.

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After safety regulators expressed concerns that it could let drivers to go over the posted speed limit or navigate junctions dangerously, Tesla, which has been testing autonomous cars in the US, recently issued a recall affecting 363,000 vehicles.

Despite the “safety benefits” that technology aspects of assisted driving or lane positioning systems would provide, according to Edmund King, drivers must remain vigilant.

It shouldn’t mislead drivers into believing they are safe. The driver retains control of the vehicle even when using hands-free technology, according to Mr. King.