By Mitchell Willetts
The Charlotte Observer
PHILADELPHIA —A Pennsylvania woman is facing charges months after police say she hit and killed two men while using her vehicle’s hands-free driving mode.
The driver, identified as Dimple Patel, turned herself in Tuesday, Sept. 3, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Just days earlier, on Aug. 28, authorities announced a slew of charges against Patel in connection to the deaths of Aktilek Baktybekov and Tolobek Esenbekov.
It was about 3 a.m. on March 3 in Philadelphia when the crash occurred, police said.
Baktybekov was on the shoulder of U.S. Interstate 95 with his car, a red Prius, which was “disabled,” according to police. A second man, Esenbekov, stopped at the scene to help Baktybekov and parked his car behind the Prius.
Just as he was getting out, a yellow Ford Mustang Mach-E slammed into his vehicle from behind, killing him and Baktybekov, police said.
Patel was in the Ford, traveling about 70 miles per hour “with (the) BlueCruise hands-free driving feature and Adaptive Cruise Control systems activated” when it crashed, according to police.
In a statement to McClatchy News, Ford said it is aware of the incident and has been cooperating with investigators.
“There is no priority higher than safety at Ford, and we have been collaborating fully with all relevant organizations on the investigations into these incidents,” a Ford spokesperson said. “We extend our sympathies to those involved.”
According to Ford’s website, the hands-free driving mode can be activated in designated “blue zones,” sections of divided highway — which includes 97% of controlled access highways across the country.
“Turn stressful situations — like your daily commute or long road trips — into opportunities to refuel, physically and mentally, and arrive at your destination more energized,” the website says. “Let BlueCruise accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle in the lane, all with the touch of a button.”
The marketing materials describe the technology as keeping “driver collaboration in mind,” adding that drivers should keep their eyes on the road while letting BlueCruise assist them.
Patel is facing nine charges including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, reckless driving, careless driving, and prohibited text-based communications.
“The Pennsylvania State Police urges drivers to always stay alert and limit distractions when driving. No partially automated vehicle technology should ever be left alone to perform the driving tasks that are required to safely navigate the roads of the Commonwealth,” Paul Holdefer of the Pennsylvania State Police said. “While the advancements in technology are immense, always strive to maintain proper control of your vehicle. If you are driving hands free, be aware and ready to regain control if the situation warrants your immediate reaction.”
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