Cruise control has proven to be a very useful invention, but is the convenience worth the risk of a potential accident?
Cruise control allows drivers to maintain a constant speed without using the gas pedal; however, certain studies have shown that this automatic feature can cause drivers to succumb to dangerous driving practices and can even cause car accidents.
Cruise control is a potential hazard for the following reasons:
- Distractions are more likely to take hold of a driver’s attention while cruise control is enabled.
- Drowsiness sharply increases when cruise control is employed.
- Reaction time, according to a French study, becomes slower, increasing to a full second while using cruise control. This means an average of 131 feet of lost opportunity when driving at Interstate speeds.
- Distances between the driver and other vehicles often drop to a dangerous level.
- Failing to adjust the cruise control speed as the speed limit rises and falls could put drivers in a dangerous situation or accident.
Using cruise control on curvy, unpredictable roads or during dangerous weather conditions that may require snap decisions can also prove very dangerous for drivers. In addition, studies show that drivers using cruise control become less likely to correct wheel direction. This can cause vehicles to move into other lanes or veer off the road completely, leading to accidents.
Best Conditions for Cruise Control
Cruise control, when used during low-risk driving situations, is truly a driver’s convenience. These conditions include:
- Roads that will not likely require quick stops or changes in speed: as straight as possible, avoiding curves and turns.
- Low-traffic areas or the highway where traffic is moving at a consistent speed.
- At times when the driver is alert. Cruise control allows for a bit of relaxation, and combining that with drowsiness or distractions can cause dangerous situations.
- Ideal weather conditions. Avoid sleet, hail, rain or snow while using cruise control, and adjust accordingly during abrupt weather changes.
- Day-time driving. Using cruise control at night isn’t advisable due to limited visibility.
For more information about driving safely, visit our Personal Injury Guide for reference articles such as “What to Do When You Have a Car Accident”.
If you’ve been in a car accident and require legal assistance, our professional team of Tampa area personal injury attorneys is prepared to help. Contact us for a free consultation.
