Ford Stock Dips After Hours As NTSB Blames Overreliance On Automated Tech For Fatal Crashes

• The agency concluded that the drivers’ overreliance on the automated system contributed to both crashes.
• Following the probe, the agency called for standardized performance requirements for automated vehicle tech while noting that there are several gaps in oversight at present.
• The probe also highlighted issues with Ford’s BlueCruise implementation, noting that the drivers can disengage Ford’s automatic emergency braking system when using it.

The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday called for greater oversight on automated vehicle technology technology on the heels of two fatal Ford crashes.

The agency said that it investigated two crashes involving Ford’s partial automation system BlueCruise and concluded that the drivers’ overreliance on the automated system contributed to both crashes. In the crashes that occurred in 2024, BlueCruise failed to stop for stationary vehicles, it said.

Ford shares edges about 1% lower after hours at the time of writing.

Probe Takeaways

Following the probe, the agency called for standardized performance requirements for automated vehicle tech while noting that there are several gaps in oversight at present. The probe also highlighted issues with Ford’s BlueCruise implementation, noting that the drivers can disengage Ford’s automatic emergency braking system when using it.

The NTSB has issued recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as Ford, calling for crash data recording and automatic crash notification requirements, improved driver monitoring systems to detect distraction, and changes to Ford’s BlueCruise system to reduce excessive speeding.

“This investigation highlights the urgent need for stronger safety standards and better oversight of automated driving systems,” said NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy. “Manufacturers and federal regulators must ensure these technologies are designed, monitored and implemented in ways that keep all our road users safe. We cannot take a ‘hands off’ approach to hands-free driving technology. Lives depend on it.”

The Accidents

NTSB said that one of the crashes occurred in San Antonio in Feb. 2024. A Ford traveling east in the center lane of Interstate 10 struck a stationary 1999 Honda CR-V, killing the Honda driver while the Ford driver sustained minor injuries.

In the second crash that occurred in Philadelphia in March 2024, the  Ford traveling north in the left lane of Interstate 95 struck two stationary vehicles—a 2012 Hyundai Elantra and a 2006 Toyota Prius—causing them to collide with a passing Toyota Corolla. The driver of the Prius and Elantra were both killed while the Corolla driver was uninjured.

In both the incidents, no driver-applied or system-initiated braking or steering was recorded in the moments before the crash, NTSB said.

How Did Retail Traders React?

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around Ford stock stayed within the ‘bullish’ territory over the past 24 hours, while message volume stayed at ‘high’ levels.

F stock has gained 15% over the past 12 months. 

Read More: OMER Stock Surges 5% After Hours On Novo Nordisk Deal Windfall And Drug Launch Optimism

For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.