Adaptive Cruise Control

[DeeCee]

Does anyone know if the cars brake lights come on when the adaptive cruise control brakes the vehicle automatically? The other day I was using the ACC at 40 mph and the car in front of me slowed to turn off the highway. As I got closer the ACC braked rather heavily as I neared the turning car. Probably slowed to less than 20mph from 40. Just wandering if the cars brake lights get illuminated to warn following drivers.

[Nmadole]

I would imagine they would have to!

[fusionTX]

Does anyone know if the cars brake lights come on when the adaptive cruise control brakes the vehicle automatically? The other day I was using the ACC at 40 mph and the car in front of me slowed to turn off the highway. As I got closer the ACC braked rather heavily as I neared the turning car. Probably slowed to less than 20mph from 40. Just wandering if the cars brake lights get illuminated to warn following drivers.

 

HOw do you like the adaptive cruise control? Under what conditions do you use it?

[acdii]

Yes they do. One thing to be aware of, and it is a doozy, if you drive in rain, and a car cuts in front of you with enough spray, it can blind the radar unit and it feels like the car slams on the brakes. Did that 3 times to me, and each time it would not reset for 20 minutes. In each case though, I could not tell if the car actually applied the brakes, or if my car has that much drag on it that shutting the cruise off like that just makes it slow down that fast.

[DeeCee]

HOw do you like the adaptive cruise control? Under what conditions do you use it?

I use the ACC quite frequently and really like it. Most of my highway driving is on two lane state highways with 55 MPH limit. Traffic varies from light to moderate. It seems that cruise control has a better handle on throttle response than my right foot. When not in cruise control it takes verry little throttle pressure in EV mode to revert back to ICE. You really have to be ginger with the throttle pedal to maximize EV running.in manual mode.

[Fastronaut]

Yes they do. One thing to be aware of, and it is a doozy, if you drive in rain, and a car cuts in front of you with enough spray, it can blind the radar unit and it feels like the car slams on the brakes. Did that 3 times to me, and each time it would not reset for 20 minutes. In each case though, I could not tell if the car actually applied the brakes, or if my car has that much drag on it that shutting the cruise off like that just makes it slow down that fast.

That's good information to know ahead of the first drive in the rain. Thanks!

[B25Nut]

I'll admit that probably the main reason I didn't get ACC or any of the Driver Assist options is that they would have put me over my self-imposed budget of $34K for a new car. From the many descriptions, I can see where ACC would make the driving experience more pleasurable in many situations, but I'm afraid, like Acdii told Coach, it can make you a much more passive driver, which can lead to trouble. In general aviation, advanced avonics have made aircraft safer to fly, yet the accident rate hasn't decreased. Pilots are generally taught the skills they need, but these new instruments seem to lure the pilots into a false sense of security that, over time, degrades their awareness and capabilities. Very few situations in flying require split second responses, unlike driving where a split second can determine whether you have an accident or not.

I feel Cruise Control should be used only in light to very moderate traffic. I fear that ACC will lure drivers into using it in heavier traffic, where over time they will allow themselves to loose situational awareness and not respond in that split second to situations where the ACC is not capable of preventing an accident. Incidents like Acdii had in the rain will eventually result in a Fusion being rear ended even though its brake lights are on.

So my words of wisdom would be to use ACC (and CC) only with very good driving conditions. And never be unaware of what is going on in the lanes around you. Personally, I never want my car to do something I didn't direct it to do. But that's just me. I resist change.

[coach81]

Good points, B. I did't get the ACC as I feel it would have been wasted.. 90% of my driving is city, so I don't need it. But for "showing off" I bet it is awesome. Still.. I agree that we are still the ultimate drivers of the vehicle and must remain in total control at all times..

[pers69]

I got it and expect it will be a tool like any other ... Lane keep assist, cell phone use in cars, regular cruise etc ... suspect and prone to the possible lack of attention and possible misuse of the less vigilant.

 

Agree that no matter to technology assist the human behind the wheel must remain sober and attentive.

 

[fusionTX]

I'm looking forward to all the high tech tools. Twice a year we drive 1,100 miles straight thru. About 18 hours. The last couple of hours are brutal. I think having all the new driving aids will make the trip safer and less stressful.