Many drivers think of cruise control as a necessary car feature because it allows them to relax behind the wheel. However, a French study determined that this relaxation can lead to dangerous driver impairment. Published in the Wall Street Journal, this study showed that episodes of drowsiness increased significantly in drivers who used this feature when compared to those who didn’t. Additionally, it revealed that motorists who use cruise control don’t react as quickly in emergency situations.
Car accidents involving cruise control are fairly common. If you have recently been hurt due to a cruise control accident, a cruise control accident attorney near you may be able to help you recover compensation for the losses associated with your accident.
Advantages of Using Cruise Control
Since cruise control allows a driver to keep a steady speed without using his feet to push the pedals, he can gain some beneficial rest. In this instance, it can help alleviate foot or leg discomfort, especially during longer trips. Since pain makes for distracted driving, cruise control can eliminate this type of distraction.
During long trips, cruise control can increase fuel efficiency because of the consistent speed. It can also help motorists avoid going over the speed limit, thus averting the violation of some driving laws. The use of cruise control is best reserved for long trips on lesser-known highways that are rarely congested to get the full benefits.
Disadvantages of Relying on Cruise Control
Since motorists don’t constantly apply pressure to the gas pedal, it can enhance the risk for car accidents, especially in heavy traffic. Another downside of cruise control is when it is used in bad weather conditions. While the cruise control function is not recommended for use during rainy, icy or snowy conditions, many drivers don’t understand this or choose to ignore that fact. Use of this function in these types of weather can make the vehicle slide. Since it takes application of the brake to disengage the control, this can make the car spin and crash under these circumstances.
When a driver cruises back roads with little traffic or scenery, it can cause him to zone out and lose focus. When a motorist suffers from fatigue, use of the cruise control might cause him to fall asleep. Even without these conditions, cruise control can cause careless and distracted driving. That’s because the operator can experience a false sense of security, leading him to engage in tasks unrelated to driving.
Adaptive Cruise Control
To combat some of the disadvantages of using cruise control, vehicle makers now market adaptive cruise control. This version will automatically regulate speed to go with the flow of traffic. This allows a driver who engages this function to follow the car in front of him at a safe distance. While this feature seems useful for those stuck in slower moving traffic, whether this more intelligent cruise control will increase safety still mostly depends on the person behind the wheel.
How can a Cruise Control Accident Lawyer Help?
Cruise control accidents are more common than you may believe. They can be especially dangerous if traveling with cruise control engaged at high speeds. Accidents can lead to severe injuries that may have lifelong complications or take months or years to treat. Recovering from such an accident keeps you away from work, loved ones, and your way of life. With an attorney advocating for you, it may be possible to receive compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and more. Car Accident Cases will put you in touch with a lawyer who handles cruise control car accidents near you. Call 516-582-4367 or contact us online.
