Pros and Cons of Using Cruise Control

While speed control technology has existed since the early 1900s, cruise control as we know it was invented by Ralph Teetor in 1948. The idea caught on, and by the 1960s, every major auto manufacturer offered a model with cruise control features.

Today, Missouri drivers in modern vehicles have access to advanced versions of the technology, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering functions (LCF).

While cruise control offers numerous safety and fuel efficiency benefits, it also has limitations. All drivers who rely on cruise control must understand its pros and cons to limit the risk of an accident on the road; failing to do so can be considered negligent.

How Cruise Control Can Improve Safety

The primary purpose of cruise control is to maintain a set speed over long periods so that drivers don’t need to manually monitor and adjust their speed on long stretches of road, such as highways. The system can keep the vehicle at or just under the speed limit, preventing the driver from accidentally going over.

Speeding is a common outcome of distracted driving. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, distracted driving caused 106 fatalities in 2023. Proper use of cruise control on long drives can help reduce driver fatigue and accidental speeding.

The technology helps eliminate the need for constant manual adjustments, which can cause physical and mental strain. It allows the driver to focus fully on the road and surrounding traffic conditions, reducing the risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident.

The Fuel Efficiency Benefits of Cruise Control

Even the most consistent human drivers tend to fluctuate their pressure slightly on the gas pedal, resulting in slight speed and fuel efficiency changes. Cruise control can efficiently and consistently maintain the vehicle’s speed through smooth and precise control of the throttle and the engine speed (RPMs).

Engaging cruise control over a long drive is beneficial for fuel efficiency because it optimizes the vehicle’s fuel consumption. A 2024 study found that the most modern ACC systems can achieve fuel savings between 6.9% and 22%, depending on local conditions.

Limitations of Cruise Control

While cruise control has many advantages, drivers should be aware of certain limitations to ensure safe usage. Even the most modern cruise control systems are not designed to adapt to rapidly changing or adverse road conditions, such as traffic abruptly coming to a standstill. Most systems also cannot detect rain, ice, or snow on the roads, nor are they suitable for winding roads.

Leaving cruise control on in these conditions is dangerous, as it may try to maintain speeds that are too high or unsuitable for the current road conditions. The potential consequences include rear-end collisions or even losing control of the vehicle.

Even if your vehicle is equipped with ACC and modern amenities, they do not replace the need to stay alert and be attentive. Always be prepared to disengage cruise control and take over pedal control manually to maintain safety.

If you have been involved in an accident due to another driver colliding with your vehicle, contact our experienced Missouri car accident attorneys at Cofman Townsley. We have the resources to investigate whether your injuries were caused by improper use of cruise control or another form of negligence.

Tips for Using Cruise Control

Follow these tips for using cruise control effectively and responsibly to maximize its safety benefits:

• Use on Open Roads: Cruise control is most useful on open roads and highways, especially in light traffic conditions. Limit or avoid its use in dense urban environments, such as city streets; cruise control is not meant for frequent stop-and-go situations.
• Set the Right Speed: Set your cruise control speed according to the current speed limits and traffic conditions. In ideal conditions, set it at or just below the current speed limit. If traffic picks up, reduce your speed by a few mph to maintain a safe following distance and let other vehicles pass you safely.
• Stay Vigilant: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. Stay vigilant and be prepared to react to changing conditions, such as sudden traffic speed changes, inclement weather, curves, and steep inclines.
• Disengage Under Adverse Conditions: Do not use cruise control in poor weather conditions, such as rain, ice, or snow. These situations demand constant speed adjustments for safety, and cruise control can reduce your control over the vehicle.

Contact Cofman Townsley for a Free Consultation

Cruise control offers several benefits for Missouri drivers, from improving safety by maintaining a consistent speed to improving fuel efficiency on long highway stretches. However, drivers must be aware of the technology’s limitations and avoid engaging cruise control if it could create a safety risk.

If you have any questions about a car accident claim or your legal rights after a collision, our team at Cofman Townsley can help. We have successfully assisted accident victims in recovering damages for more than 50 years. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your accident claim.