The Wonders of Advance Cruise Control Systems

Advanced cruise control systems are an improved version to the previously existing cruise control systems. Also known as the ACC, or intelligent cruise control, it adjusts a vehicle’s speed based on a preceding vehicle, aside from maintaining the vehicle’s speed set by the driver. Drivers who know about ACC and have it in their vehicles generally find it to be both comfortable and useful. Drivers also find this system to be reliable and user-friendly.

More About the ACC

One of the major advantages of using the ACC is that it helps maintain a headway time behind the preceding vehicle. The intelligent cruise control makes use of either a front radar or laser sensor in detecting vehicles that are in front of the vehicle that has the system. It then adjusts the speed of the vehicle accordingly. It does this by braking slightly or by controlling the flow of fuel into the engine. If there is a need for stronger deceleration, the system will alert the driver by sounding an alert. If the preceding vehicle suddenly accelerates or moves out of the lane, the system will then return the vehicle’s speed to what the driver has set it to.

Advance Cruise Control Systems and Road Safety

Advance cruise control systems were originally invented for the purpose of convenience and comfort. It was not created primarily for road safety because it has limited acceleration and braking ranges. However, despite not having been created for the purpose of safety, it has no doubt contributed to the decreased incidences of vehicular accidents.

Some studies conducted concluded that ACC has a positive effect when it comes to road safety. Reduction of speeds (mean and maximum speeds) and speed differences are some of the positive effects of the ACC to road safety. There are also negative effects to this system, however. Among these are delayed braking and the frequency of crashing into a queue that is stationary.

The Effects of Intelligent Cruise Control to the Environment

Indirectly, intelligent cruise control has a positive effect on the environment. Because advance cruise control systems decrease the vehicle’s speed standard deviation to a maximum of 50%, this will result in more uniform speeds. More uniform speeds will ultimately lead to decreased fuel consumption, as well as a decrease in harmful emissions.

When compared to manual driving, a vehicle with ACC consumes less fuel and produces less air pollutants. Vehicles with advanced cruise control systems also help smooth traffic flow.