Undoubtedly, throughout the past few decades, advances in technology have increased the safety of cars. Car accidents have reduced as a result of advances like airbags and lane departure warning systems, saving numerous lives.
A technology that can be found in certain modern automobiles is adaptive cruise control (ACC). The ACC system controls your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you while you drive. On the other hand, ACC misuse can be dangerous. If you get into an accident due to cruise control features, contact Murphy Trial Law to get compensation.
How dangerous is it to drive with the help of adaptive cruise control in your car?
Before opting to activate cruise control, you should always refer to your car’s owner’s manual. Usually, the make, model, and year of your vehicle will tell you exactly how the cruise control should be used. Usually, cruise control systems have to reach a certain speed in order to activate. Next, you may usually find the set button directly behind or on your steering wheel. Pressing it will cause a light to come on on the dashboard, and the vehicle should continue moving at the same speed. You can modify your speed without using the brake or gas by using the available controls. Usually, these take the form of paddles behind or on top of your steering wheel.
When should you not use cruise control?
Cruise control is useful, but it should only be used in specific circumstances by drivers. Using cruise control on anything other than a vast, open stretch of road will reduce its efficiency and increase your risk of an accident. It would be best if you do not use cruise control in the following situations:
1. Wet and slippery roads
Roads become dangerous for every driver if there is snow, rain, ice, or hail. Maintaining a safe driving speed and making necessary modifications is necessary for safe vehicle handling. Hydroplaning becomes more common when cruise control is used on slippery roads. When driving in slippery conditions while on cruise control, reduce your speed slowly rather than abruptly switching off the system to avoid a sudden decrease in speed.
2. Heavy Traffic Conditions
Cruise control is not suitable for slow-moving traffic because it was not intended for use at low speeds. Cruise control may force you to rear-end another car when road conditions require it, such as in heavy traffic.
3. Winding roads and hilly regions
You have to reduce your speed and slow down when driving round bends and curves in order to make turns safely. You have to reduce your speed when going downhill on hills as well. Using cruise control makes it hard to rapidly change your speed, which can be risky on narrow highways.
How to stay safe while using cruise control
Is cruise control a bad thing, then? You still need to pay attention to driving even if you choose to use cruise control because you think the road conditions are suitable for it. Some people believe that cruise control works self-sufficiently, giving them the freedom to go as they like. This is false, and accidents may occur from negligence.
Get familiar with the functions of your cruise control before you start driving. Learn how to switch it off in addition to turning it on. While some cruise controls have different buttons for stopping and starting, others have a single button.
Conclusion
Modern cars are safer and smarter than ever. However, most cars still need real drivers to drive them, and these drivers are liable for any accidents affecting their vehicles. This means that even with cruise control active, drivers should only utilize technology when it is appropriate and secure to do so. They must also keep a constant eye on the road. If you get into an accident due to cruise control technology, contact your personal injury lawyer.
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