Traditional cruise control maintains a set speed but doesn’t account for the movement of other vehicles. Adaptive cruise control has become a standard feature on modern vehicles. Unlike traditional cruise control, which maintains a steady speed regardless of the traffic, adaptive cruise control (ACC) can automatically adjust speed to match the flow of vehicles ahead.
Generally speaking, adaptive cruise control is safe to use. However, when drivers become too reliant on it and take their eyes off the road, it can lead to rear-end collisions or other car accidents.
Here’s everything you need to know about this popular vehicle feature.
How Does Adaptive Cruise Control Work?
Adaptive cruise control uses forward-facing sensors to detect vehicles ahead and adjust your speed to maintain a comfortable following distance. Many vehicles allow you to choose the gap setting (often labeled as “near,” “medium,” or “far”), although the exact distance varies by manufacturer.
ACC sensors are designed to maintain an adequate distance based on the driver’s preferred settings.
Is Adaptive Cruise Control Safe?
Adaptive cruise control is considered one of the safest and most reliable driver-assistance technologies used today. However, a car accident can still occur if a driver gets too dependent on the system. It’s also possible for the sensors to fail, although such failures are rare.
You’re the key to using cruise control safely. Allow the system to do its job, but keep both hands on the wheel and stay attentive in case you need to brake or change lanes.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the controls during good weather while the roads aren’t congested. Experiment with the distance settings until you find an option you’re comfortable with.
What Is Adaptive Cruise Control Designed For?
Adaptive cruise control is designed to reduce driver fatigue and promote convenience when navigating highways, toll roads, and interstate systems.
You can set your cruise control and give your foot a rest. Doing so can prevent you from becoming exhausted on long drives while helping you maintain safe following distances.
Common Mistakes When Using Adaptive Cruise Control
While adaptive cruise control is designed to make your life easier when traveling long distances at steady speeds, misusing it can have consequences.
Distracted driving is one of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes that people make when using this technology. Other mistakes include:
- Using adaptive cruise control in heavy traffic or bad weather
- Assuming that the system will stop for you
- Ignoring alerts or warning lights
- Taking your hands off the wheel
Remember, you’re responsible for supervising your vehicle and maintaining control of your speed. Your cruise control is just there to assist.
What To Do Following An Accident
Your adaptive cruise control not working properly can lead to a crash. However, driver error is generally assumed to be the culprit until proven otherwise. If you’re involved in a crash after using adaptive cruise control, you’ll likely need legal assistance to prove that the technology was partially to blame.
As always, the top priority after a collision is your health and well-being. Focus on seeking prompt medical care and documenting what happened. Taking these simple steps can help clarify what happened and enable you to protect your rights.
Call Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers Today For A Free Consultation With A Lake County Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident involving adaptive cruise control or another advanced vehicle feature, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The team at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options and protect your rights. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Lake County car accident lawyer to discuss what happened and learn how we may be able to help you pursue compensation.
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients throughout Northbrook, Lake County, IL, and nearby areas, including Waukegan, Gurnee, North Chicago, Highland Park, Round Lake Beach, Zion, Grayslake, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Lake Forest, Antioch, Highwood, Mettawa, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Round Lake, Lindenhurst, and Beach Park.
Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers
601 Skokie Blvd Suite 401
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 513-9582
