A MOTORS expert has tested out the UK’s first self-driving car on a busy motorway – in what was a nerve-racking experience.
Abigayle Andre of the popular TikTok and Instagram pages SheTalksCars got behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang Mach-E – a vehicle that has self-driving ‘hands off’ functionality.
APThe Ford Mustang Mach-E is the UK’s first legal self-driving motor[/caption]
TikTok/@shetalkscarsCar expert Abigayle Andre of SheTalksCars got behind the wheel – hands free[/caption]
The electric SUV, which rolled off the production line last year, uses tech that is considered the next step up from tradional cruise control.
The smart motor is able to monitor traffic, speed limits and even the driver’s attention – all while assessing the ever-changing environment of a live road.
However, in a video demonstration, Abigayle admitted she’s “the worst passenger ever” and was seemingly unnerved throughout the experience – especially when taking her hands off the wheel.
According to Ford’s website, all Mustang Mach-E vehicles built from 2023 are eligible for a 90-day free trial of Ford BlueCruise, a monthly £17.99 subscription that allows drivers to be completely hands-free behind the wheel on certain sections of UK roads.
These sections of divided road are called Hands-Free BlueZones, and are currently available across 2,300 miles of pre-mapped motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.
Ford claim the special AI tech combines “Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Keeping Assist, and Speed Sign Recognition”, although they reiterate that drivers need to have their eyes on the road at all times.
Despite that, Abigayle seems naturally unnerved during her ride – especially around the motor’s stopping capabilities as traffic begins to build up.
In one moment, a lorry begins to slow down in front of her, leading her to ask: “Is it going to fully stop for me?”
However, after pulling over at a rest area, the petrolhead admitted the self-driving motor was impressive – although she says she ultimately still prefers driving.
Amazed by the car’s intelligence, she said: “I can’t believe how many things came up while driving – we had traffic, we had lane closures, it was crazy.”
She added: “I like to drive and I prefer to be in control, but I’m pretty impressed with all the situations it can handle.”
This comes just months after a robo-taxi firm suspended all of its driverless operations after a pedestrian was hit by a car.
Elsewhere, the world’s first car without a rear window will launch in the UK in a bid to provide a clearer view for drivers.
TikTok/@shetalkscarsThe petrolhead was visibly unnerved at the unusual experience[/caption]