Pros and Cons of Using Cruise Control While Driving

According to Consumer Reports, more than 90% of new vehicles have adaptive cruise control. Unlike previous versions of cruise control, adaptive cruise control helps vehicles not only maintain a steady speed, but also a safe following distance behind other vehicles and not exceed the speed limit as traffic flow changes.

Whether you drive a vehicle with adaptive cruise control or an older vehicle with standard cruise control, you may enjoy using the feature, especially on long drives or during your daily commute. Using cruise control can make your drive easier, but it also comes with a few drawbacks that all drivers should be aware of.

Here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind the next time you think about using your vehicle’s cruise control function.

Pro: It Can Increase Your Vehicle’s Fuel-Efficiency

Both standard and adaptive cruise control can help your vehicle consume less fuel on a trip. That’s because your vehicle is better at maintaining a steady speed than you are, which makes it use gas more efficiently. Adaptive cruise control is even more efficient than standard cruise control, as it can reduce the need for braking and accelerating in response to the behaviors of drivers in front of you.

And while the savings may not be much per trip, they can quickly add up over time. They can also make a difference in your total fuel bill when you’re on long trips, especially on flat, straight highways and interstates with relatively little traffic.

Con: It Can Make Drivers Less Aware and Prepared

Driving is a mentally taxing task. It requires staying focused on the road and the movements of other vehicles. That means accelerating and braking at appropriate times and distances, being aware of your vehicle’s size and power, and keeping its movement steady and centered in the lane.

When you use cruise control, you are no longer giving your full mental and physical attention to the task of driving. When driving on straight stretches of road with cruise control activated, you may not even need to steer constantly. That can increase your risk of daydreaming, becoming distracted, or suffering from “highway hypnosis”—all of which can make it more difficult to react in time in the event of a potential crash situation, such as an animal darting into the road, encountering road debris, or another driver behaving erratically.

Pro: It Can Reduce Your Chances of Getting a Speeding Ticket

You’ve probably heard jokes about drivers “having a lead foot,” but accidentally speeding is a common traffic law violation. To maintain your speed, you need to keep your foot on the gas pedal. If you’re not paying close attention to your speedometer, it’s easy to exceed the speed limit by 5, 10, or even 15 MPH and not realize it.

When you use cruise control, there’s less chance you’ll exceed the speed limit, especially if it’s consistent for a long stretch. That’s because cruise control maintains the speed you set until you turn it off. Adaptive cruise control is even more effective, as it will automatically reduce your speed in response to speed limit changes.

Con: It Can Cause Unexpected Results in Inclement Weather

Cruise control should only be used when visibility is good and when the roads are dry and clear. That’s because drivers still need to be aware of what’s going on around them and because cruise control is less effective at maintaining a steady speed on slick asphalt, like happens when it rains.

Even adaptive cruise control may struggle to perform safely and efficiently at night or during bad weather. When any type of cruise control is activated, your vehicle may not properly adapt to increased braking distances during rainstorms or winter weather. That means that if you rely entirely on your adaptive cruise control to slow down or maintain a safe speed for you, it may brake too late or accelerate too early, causing a crash.

Pro: Driver Comfort on Long Trips

Using cruise control can significantly enhance driver comfort during long road trips. By maintaining a consistent speed without the need to constantly press the accelerator, cruise control allows drivers to rest their legs, reducing fatigue and physical strain. This feature is particularly beneficial on flat, straight highways where the speed limit remains constant for long stretches.

By minimizing the physical effort required to control the vehicle’s speed, drivers can focus more on the road and experience less exhaustion, leading to a safer and more comfortable journey.

Con: Difficulty in Navigating Curves and Hills

Cruise control is less effective on roads with steep hills or sharp curves, where speed adjustments are frequently necessary. On steep inclines, the vehicle may struggle to maintain the set speed, causing it to downshift suddenly or accelerate too rapidly. On sharp curves, maintaining a constant speed can be dangerous, as the vehicle may not slow down sufficiently to navigate the turn safely.

These limitations can lead to a loss of control or difficulty managing the vehicle's speed, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, it's advisable to manually control the speed when driving on hilly or winding roads.

Pro: Better Speed Control for Inexperienced Drivers

Cruise control can be a valuable tool for new or inexperienced drivers who may struggle with maintaining a steady speed. It helps prevent the common issue of unintentional speeding, which can occur when a driver is not accustomed to gauging their speed by feel.

By setting the cruise control at or under the speed limit, novice drivers can focus more on steering, monitoring traffic, and navigating the road, without the added worry of fluctuating speeds. This can help build their confidence and improve their overall driving habits.

Con: Potential for Overconfidence

One of the risks associated with cruise control, especially adaptive cruise control, is that it can lead to overconfidence in the vehicle's ability to handle various driving conditions. Drivers may rely too heavily on the cruise control system, believing that it can manage all aspects of their speed control, even in complex situations.

This overconfidence can result in reduced vigilance and slower reaction times, particularly when encountering unexpected obstacles or sudden changes in traffic flow. It's essential for drivers to remember that while cruise control can assist with speed management, they must remain fully engaged and ready to take manual control at any moment.

New Technology and Safety Features Don’t Excuse Drivers from Responsibility

Today’s vehicles are smarter and safer than ever. But most vehicles still need to be driven by actual drivers, and those drivers are responsible when their vehicles are involved in accidents. That means drivers should use technology only when appropriate and safe to do so and continue to stay focused on the road at all times—even when cruise control is activated.

When drivers are overly reliant on technology and fail to uphold their duties to themselves and other drivers, serious crashes can occur. And when they do, our Ohio car accident lawyers are here to help. Contact Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy today if you or someone you love was hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault. We want to help you get maximum compensation.

Originally published August 15, 2022.

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