Driving Trends and the Rise of BlueCruise Highway Travel

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times in the U.S., with families hitting the road for one last summer adventure. According to AAA, domestic travel over Labor Day is up 9% compared to last year. Many Americans are choosing road trips over international travel, opting for destinations like beaches, national parks, and other tourist hotspots. Paula Twidale, Senior VP of AAA Travel, notes that Labor Day is a final chance for many to enjoy a summer getaway before the busy fall season kicks in.

For Ford and Lincoln owners, Labor Day weekend is also a prime time to use BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving feature. In 2023, BlueCruise usage during the Labor Day holiday exceeded that of any other holiday, including Thanksgiving. BlueCruise trips over Labor Day weekend were 8.15% more common than during Thanksgiving, highlighting the growing popularity of this hands-free driving experience during peak travel times. 

The Ford BlueCruise team is celebrating this trend as they prepare to honor the hard-working Americans who are hitting the road for their last summer trip before returning to their regular commutes and busy schedules. As fall approaches, hands-free driving will continue to be a game-changer for those navigating heavy traffic and long commutes.

The popularity of BlueCruise is not just a holiday phenomenon. In fact, Ford and Lincoln owners regularly use BlueCruise for both daily commutes and longer road trips. Whether it’s a quick drive to work or a weekend trip across state lines, BlueCruise is proving to be a valuable asset. As of August 2024, Statista reports that the average commute time in the U.S. is 16-29 minutes, with over half of drivers commuting for less than 30 minutes. Reflecting this trend, 77% of BlueCruise trips are under 20 minutes, demonstrating its usefulness for short daily drives.

However, BlueCruise truly shines on longer trips. For journeys on controlled-access highways lasting more than an hour, BlueCruise is used more than 50% of the time. This hands-free driving technology makes long road trips not only more comfortable but also more enjoyable for drivers who want a break from the monotony of highway driving.

Ford’s BlueCruise technology is available across a wide range of vehicles, from traditional gas-powered models to hybrid and electric vehicles. It can be found on the F-150, F-150 Lightning, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang Mach-E, and throughout the entire Lincoln lineup. Interestingly, BlueCruise usage rates are remarkably similar among owners of very different vehicles, such as the F-150 and the Mustang Mach-E, indicating the broad appeal of this feature regardless of vehicle type.

Customer feedback further highlights the impact of BlueCruise on everyday driving experiences. Peter L., an F-150 Lightning owner and member of Ford’s Early Access Program, shared, “BlueCruise changed what was a completely boring, monotonous ride to something that is now enjoyable. The worst part of my day is work, and the best part is driving to and from work.” Another customer, Jace C., also an F-150 Lightning owner, expressed his surprise at how much BlueCruise has enhanced his daily driving. “I knew we would love BlueCruise. I just didn’t know how much we would love it and how much we would use it in our everyday lives.”

For those interested in mapping out their next BlueCruise-enabled adventure, Ford makes it easy. In the U.S. and Canada, 97% of highways are designated as Blue Zones, where drivers can engage the hands-free system. Whether you're planning a road trip or just curious about where BlueCruise can take you, Ford offers a variety of favorite routes to explore.

As BlueCruise continues to gain traction, it’s clear that this technology is more than just a holiday feature. It's becoming a vital part of everyday driving for Ford and Lincoln owners across the U.S., offering a more convenient, enjoyable, and safe driving experience—whether it’s for daily commutes or those long-awaited summer road trips.