The Cons of Cruise Control

For those of us in North Carolina who are guilty of putting the pedal to the metal, cruise control has seemed like a real blessing. With the press of a button, you can pull your lead foot off of that accelerator, keep your vehicle at a safe and consistent speed, and avoid an expensive speeding ticket. Some cars are even so "smart" that they can automatically adjust their own speeds when cruise control is in effect, keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you. Cruise control enables you to keep the road a bit safer for everyone...right?

Not so fast. (Pun intended.) It turns out that cruise control has a few cons to go with its many pros, including:

• A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Strasbourg in France has revealed that cruise control lengthens drivers' reaction times to emergencies by an average of once second. Think one second is no big deal? If you're traveling at 80 miles per hour, that's an extra 131 feet - a significant distance in an accident.
• The same French study found that drowsiness increases by 25% when cruise control is in use. Maybe there is some benefit to having your legs and feet more engaged while you drive. Some find it tiring, but it might serve to keep you more alert.
• Cruise control can inspire a sense of security that is, paradoxically, quite dangerous when driving. You feel relaxed; you curl one leg up onto the driver's seat, maybe even stretch out and rest your foot on the dashboard. You fiddle with the radio or your cell phone. Any of these acts can lead to disaster should you need to slow down, stop, or react in any way to an unexpected event, such as a crazy driver up ahead or behind you, or a daring deer darting across the highway.
• Cruise control can actually cause accidents on roads that are wet and/or slippery due to snow, ice, rain, or hail, and should never be used in such conditions.
• Similarly, cruise control can also cause accidents when used on twisty roads, where there is a necessity for slowing down on occasion, and having complete control of the vehicle.

If you use cruise control, do so judiciously, always remain alert and engaged, and pay attention to road conditions. And never forget to buckle up.

For any information or questions about auto insurance, call or contact Litaker Insurance today.