Ford has launched updates to its SAE Level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) systems BlueCruise and Lincoln ActiveGlide that include hands-free lane changing, in-lane repositioning, and predictive speed adjustment that the OEM says “create more of a human-like driving feel.”

The new BlueCruise 1.2 and ActiveGlide 1.2 will be available on Ford’s Mustang Mach-E beginning this fall. Ford F-150s, F-150 Lightnings, and Mach-Es as well as Lincoln Expeditions and Navigators are currently equipped with the first-generation versions of the features, which were first available last fall, according to Ford spokesperson Wes Sherwood. He told Repairer Driven News BlueCruise gives drivers “the comfort and confidence of hands-free driving, especially reducing stress on longer trips.”

Sherwood didn’t have immediate information available Thursday that collision repairers should be aware of when repairing vehicles equipped with BlueCruise and ActiveGlide.

“We are investing in our ADAS team to constantly improve BlueCruise and ActiveGlide for our customers,” said Doug Field, Ford Model e chief EV & digital systems officer, in the release. “The latest improvements allow customers to command lane changes using just a turn signal, and make hands-free driving feel more human-like by smoothly slowing down for turns, and giving more room to large vehicles in neighboring lanes. These improvements are just the beginning of a constant journey toward improving safety and, in the future, giving customers valuable time back.”

Lane Change Assist performs hands-free lane changes when requested by the driver tapping the turn signal and can suggest if a lane change would be beneficial in slow traffic. Predictive Speed Assist automatically adjusts speed as drivers approach a sharp curve and is meant to help signal the driver ahead of time when a speed change is about to occur. In-Lane Repositioning keeps the vehicle in its lane while “subtly shifting” its position away from vehicles in adjacent lanes, which Ford noted can be helpful next to tractor-trailers.

Ford engineers plan to refine ADAS visuals, sensing, and steering experiences, according to the release. Over-the-air (OTA) updates have been continually improving maps to show drivers prequalified sections of divided highways where BlueCruise can be used, currently spans more than 130,000 miles in all of the U.S. and in Canada.

BlueCruise-equipped vehicles sense and help confirm lane lines are visible on pre-qualified roads, that the driver has his or her eyes on the road, and that other conditions are appropriate before transitioning to hands-free driving. Text and blue lighting cues communicate that the feature is in hands-free mode to ensure everyone, including those with color blindness, is aware hand-free is engaged.

Collectively, 75,000 Ford and Lincoln owners are enrolled in BlueCruise and ActiveGlide with more than 16 million hands-free driving miles accumulated as of Aug. 31.

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A Ford driver uses BlueCruise. (Credit: Ford)