Cruise control has been a popular feature in cars, trucks, and SUVs for decades. During long drives, it relieves motorists from the chores involved with maintaining an appropriate speed while navigating the vehicle. These tasks may seem less than grueling, but can become tiring over long distances.

The problem is, early versions of this technology were unable to recognize objects in the path of the driver. In cases where traffic slowed, the motorist was forced to manually adjust his or her speed to avoid a collision. Over the years, automakers have explored various solutions to address this problem. The result? Adaptive cruise control (ACC).

In this article, I’ll explain what ACC is and how the technology works. You’ll learn how it can reduce the risk of rear-end collisions while simultaneously causing a reduction in traffic congestion.

Adaptive Cruise Control Defined

ACC is a more sophisticated version of traditional cruise control. You can set the system to maintain a defined speed, and trust it to actively monitor your proximity to vehicles in front of you. If you approach another car from behind, the system will note that the gap between the two vehicles is narrowing and will adjust your speed in order to maintain the distance.

A normal cruise control system maintains your speed by regulating your vehicle’s throttle. For example, if your car climbs a hill, the system will increase the throttle. If you are traveling on a decline, it will decrease the throttle. An adaptive cruise control system also adjusts your car’s brakes. By doing so, it can slow your vehicle if you approach the car ahead of you.

Basics Of The Technology

So, how does the ACC detect objects that lie in your car’s path? A radar sensor is located at the front of your vehicle. This sensor uses radar to detect objects and determine their distance and velocity. It sends this data back to your car’s computer, which then applies force on the throttle or brakes, as needed.

For example, if the space between your vehicle and the car in front of you is closing, your car’s computer will apply the brakes to maintain a safe distance. If there is nothing in your path, the computer will apply the throttle to return you to your defined speed. Like conventional cruise control, pressing down on the brake pedal will usually disengage the ACC.

Existing Features And Future Development

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 percent of all traffic collisions are rear-ends. By monitoring the distance between cars, adaptive cruise control can potentially have a dramatic influence on the risk of this type of collision.

Moreover, recent developments with this technology allow these systems to operate in congested traffic conditions. Because ACC can operate more fluidly than motorists (who might slam on their brakes or floor the accelerator), the technology can presumably reduce congestion on the highways.

Automakers have also begun to integrate other safety features with their ACC systems. For example, some car manufacturers are designing them to tighten occupants’ seat belts if a collision seems imminent. Lane-departure warning systems are also being incorporated.

Over the next few years, this technology will continue to evolve. Automakers are already designing ACC features that can detect the difference between moving and motionless objects. Future developments might include customized alerts (visual and auditory), steering control features, and other safety measures.

It wasn’t so long ago that vehicles lacked most of the systems that are commonly installed today. To be sure, automotive technology evolves at a rapid pace. In twenty years, it’s possible that every commute we make might involve handing the reins to our car’s adaptive cruise control system.

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Category: Automotive
Keywords: cruise control, adaptive cruise control, car parts, future of cruise control