Safety regulators are delving into the circumstances of a fatal crash involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E in San Antonio, Texas, shedding light on concerns regarding the use of advanced driver assistance systems.

On Monday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it had initiated an investigation into the crash, where authorities suspect that an advanced driver assistance system may have been in operation. This move comes amidst growing scrutiny over drivers’ reliance on such features, which automakers tout as a means to enhance road safety.

While NHTSA has previously launched numerous investigations into Tesla vehicles following fatal crashes involving their Autopilot system, this marks the first time the agency is probing a similar incident involving a Ford advanced system.

In parallel, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also opened an investigation into the February 24 crash, citing its ongoing interest in advanced driver assistance systems and the interaction between drivers and these technologies.

Preliminary reports suggest that the Ford vehicle collided with a stationary Honda CR-V on Interstate Highway 10, with the Ford reportedly having its “partial automation” engaged at the time of the accident. Tragically, the driver of the Honda CR-V, 56-year-old Jeffrey Allen Johnson, succumbed to his injuries.

Ford’s BlueCruise, described as an advanced hands-free driving system, operates on a vast majority of highways in the United States and Canada. The automaker has affirmed its commitment to safety and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.

The NTSB’s interest in advanced driver assistance systems, including Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self Driving (FSD), underscores the growing importance of ensuring the safe integration of these technologies into modern vehicles.

As regulators delve deeper into the circumstances of this tragic incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with the widespread adoption of advanced driver assistance systems. It also highlights the need for robust safety protocols to mitigate potential risks on the road.