Although it isn’t a South Carolina state law, did you know that driving in the rain with the cruise control on is extremely dangerous? With all of the rain we have seen lately, this message needs repeating!
Cruise control is a valuable piece of technology that allows a vehicle to maintain a constant speed while driving. It can help fight driver fatigue, save fuel, and prevent a driver from exceeding the speed limit.
However, cruise control can be dangerouswhen roadways are wet or icy! As many people know, slick roadways, caused by a combination of rain and oily residue on the pavement, can increase the chance of hydroplaning. This can result in a dangerous loss of traction that could cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle.
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Although it might be many people’s first instinct, one of the worst things a driver can do during a hydroplaning situation is to slam on the brakes. Hydroplaning can cause the vehicle to speed up, and any sudden change to the speed at which the wheels are turning can cause even more severe skidding or slipping.
Since one of the ways to disengage the cruise control is to apply the brakes, it is not advisable to use it during rainy conditions. Even if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, using them during a skid could still result in a loss of control that could lead to a serious accident. When driving in the rain, make sure that you are in full control of your vehicle rather than letting your vehicle control itself.
Carmakers are aware of this safety concern, and are developing safety features to help reduce the risk of a hydroplaning incident. The Toyota Sienna XLE, for example, will automatically shut off the cruise control if the windshield wipers are turned on.
With more rain forecasted for South Carolina in the coming weeks and months, we hope all drivers will consider this information. Stay safe!
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