Use Cruise Control Safely When Driving Long Distance

Cruise control has improved driver comfort and convenience. When activated, the system enables a driver to automatically maintain a minimum speed of 40 km/h or faster without having to keep a foot on the accelerator. It's an easy way to control speed on the highway, making the driver less likely to go over the speed limit inadvertently. Cruise control is also useful for long trips as it often results in higher fuel efficiency and reduces driver fatigue.

When used improperly, however, cruise control can cause accidents. Here are some safety tips on when and how to use the system.

Stay Alert!  Be ready to brake. Keep your feet flat. Scan the road ahead.

 Although controlling the vehicle’s speed on cruise control allows you to take your foot off the accelerator and rest it, you still control the steering and braking. Keep both feet flat on the driver’s side floor and ready for braking or maneuvering if you have to slow down or suddenly stop. Don’t lounge or curl your foot up underneath you as you drive.

Above all, it’s important to remain alert. A false sense of security could lead to inattention and an accident. Keep your mind on your driving; scan the road ahead for traffic, obstacles, and changing road conditions.

Not on winding, icy or slippery roads.  Not in heavy traffic.

Cruise control can be dangerous when the driver can’t drive safely at a steady speed.  Also, it should not be used while on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control may also be dangerous on slippery roads. The system is designed for perfect road conditions, but on slippery surfaces it can cause the vehicle to go into a skid.

This is, of course, a special concern during the winter months, when the roads are icy. The only way to avoid a skid in this environment is to immediately reduce power. But with cruise control engaged, the wheels continue spinning and the driver may lose control of the car.

Not during heavy summer rain.  Avoid slamming on the brakes.

It's not only a winter problem. Using cruise control during a heavy summer rain can cause the car to hydroplane - a loss of control owing to a layer of water between the tires and the road. The risk is particularly high when driving across a patch of deep water.

If you begin to lose control, it's vital to remember how to react.  Avoid slamming on the brakes.  That puts the driver at even greater risk of a collision. Instead, stay calm and brake steadily, look where you wish to go and steer in that direction.

Don't use on roads where many speed adjustments are necessary.

These include winding roads, those with heavy traffic and urban and suburban streets.

Using cruise control in traffic and on city streets with lights and stop signs is an unsafe practice. You would have to reset the cruise control every time you brake and you’re not likely to be driving at the minimum speeds appropriate for it. Instead, you should manually control your car in traffic and on city streets, saving cruise control for the highway.

Turn cruise control off when not in use.

Do not simply disengage it with the brake. If you leave it on when not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise inadvertently.  You could be startled and even lose control of the car.

Cruise control can make your drive more pleasurable and fuel-efficient, but you have to use it as intended.

How Better Driving Can Save You Money?

For information about PRUDENT VALUE CARS, visit our web site: www.prudentvaluecars.com