Summary
- Vibrant skies over New York and New Jersey catch attention almost every evening with striking colors of cyan and soft yellows
- BlueCruise is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) from Ford allowing hands-free highway driving on 130,000 miles of North American roads
- BlueCruise is a Level 2 system, requiring driver supervision at all times and not offering unsupervised driving
- BlueCruise is designed to assist the driver with steering, acceleration, and braking on highways, reducing fatigue and making long road trips easier
- BlueCruise has received positive reviews, especially for reducing driver fatigue on long road trips, though the value depends on driving habits and may not be necessary for occasional road trippers
Article
The article discusses the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally equipped with BlueCruise, an advanced driver assistance system similar to Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise. BlueCruise allows for “hands-free highway driving” on 130,000 miles of North American roads, with driver supervision required at all times. The system is available on various Ford and Lincoln models, offering features such as lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
Despite the convenience and promise of these advanced driver assistance systems, they are not completely autonomous and still require driver supervision. While some systems like Mercedes Drive Pilot allow for hands-free and eyes-off driving on limited California roads, the systems from Tesla and Ford are facing investigations over fatal accidents, raising concerns about their safety and reliability.
BlueCruise functions by blending adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, allowing the vehicle to control steering, acceleration, and braking in specific conditions. The system is designed to assist the driver, not replace them, and includes features like lane changes and driver monitoring to ensure attention stays on the road. The system is also capable of providing warnings and alerts if the driver becomes unresponsive.
BlueCruise is particularly effective in slow-moving highway traffic and on expansive highway stretches. The system offers adaptive cruise control with different distance settings and allows for smooth lane changes when initiated by the driver. While the system may have some limitations, it provides a stress-relieving experience for drivers in challenging traffic conditions.
Compared to other systems such as Tesla Autopilot, BlueCruise offers more flexibility and user-friendly features. The system allows for easy handovers of control between the driver and the vehicle, making adjustments and readjustments a seamless process. It also incorporates a comprehensive driver monitoring system to ensure alertness and engagement behind the wheel.
Overall, BlueCruise can enhance the driving experience by reducing fatigue and making long road trips more manageable. The system may be a valuable investment for frequent road-trippers who cover long distances regularly. However, it is essential for drivers to receive proper training and education on using these advanced driver assistance systems to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Ultimately, the success of these systems depends on responsible usage and adherence to safety guidelines.
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