7 Reasons Why Cruise Control Is Becoming Popular

Driving big trucks too fast can cause a lot of problems.?Statistics show that speed is a factor in over 50% of truck accidents and is often the primary cause.?Unlike cars, trucks need much more room to stop. Combining the longer stopping distance with factors like hitting a patch of ice or being cut off by a car can quickly lead to a disaster.?

The faster the truck moves, the worse the outcome of a crash can be.

Many things, such as bad weather, are beyond your control when driving a large vehicle. Controlling your speed is the best way to handle these issues and lower your risk of getting into an accident.?Cruise control is one of the most effective ways to manage your speed. Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, which can be crucial for safety. It reduces the temptation to speed and helps keep the truck at a safe and consistent pace, especially on long trips.?

Truck drivers can improve their safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents by understanding how to use cruise control properly. This feature can be a valuable tool in ensuring that large trucks are driven at safe speeds, considering the many factors affecting driving conditions. With better speed management, the roads can be safer for everyone.

In this post, we’ll discuss what truckers need to know about using cruise control to manage their speed effectively.

What is cruise control?

Cruise control is a handy feature in trucks that lets the driver set a specific speed without pressing the accelerator pedal.?Once activated, cruise control maintains that speed, making it much easier for drivers, especially on highways and long trips. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is also a more advanced version. In many modern semi-trucks, ACC maintains a set speed and adjusts it to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.?

If the vehicle ahead slows down, ACC will automatically reduce your speed to maintain a safe following distance and speed up again once the road is clear. This feature is particularly useful in heavy traffic or driving behind slower vehicles, making the driving experience safer and more comfortable.

Why use a truck cruise control?

Cruise control allows drivers to set their truck’s speed and maintain it without using the accelerator pedal. This feature works best on flat or slightly hilly roads.?Cruise control tries to keep the set speed on very hilly or mountainous terrain but might struggle due to the vehicle's size and weight.?In such cases, the system may turn off, and the driver might need to shift to a lower gear manually. If your vehicle allows cruise control in lower gears, you should learn how to use this feature.

Cruise control is especially useful on roads with light traffic. It helps maintain a steady speed, reducing driver fatigue on long trips. However, it should not be used on busy streets with moderate to heavy traffic. For professional truck drivers, cruise control can improve efficiency and pulling power, especially if the weight is evenly distributed between the drive axles and trailer tandems. This balance helps the truck perform better and maintain a steady speed more easily.

Seven reasons you should be using a cruise control

When driving on the interstate, you likely use cruise control. If not, you should try it.?

Cruise control is a great tool when used properly. As a professional truck driver, learning to use cruise control effectively and safely is essential.

1. Fuel efficiency: Using cruise control can help save fuel in your truck. By setting a consistent speed, your truck maintains that speed over long distances. This steady pace helps save fuel and avoid the temptation to speed.
2. Reducing driver fatigue: Cruise control is vital in reducing driver fatigue by maintaining a constant speed. This feature allows drivers to rest their foot from the accelerator pedal during long trips, reducing physical strain on their legs and feet. With less physical effort, drivers can focus better on the road, maintain concentration, and experience less discomfort. This leads to a more comfortable driving experience and enhances safety on the highway.
3. Maintain speed limits: It helps drivers stay within speed limits, which reduces the risk of getting speeding tickets. By maintaining a set speed, drivers are less likely to accidentally go too fast, which can lead to fewer infractions and safer driving conditions.
4. Consistent driving: Using cruise control keeps your speed steady, preventing sudden speeding up or slowing down. This leads to a smoother ride, which is especially good for keeping cargo stable and reducing wear and tear on the truck.?
5. Better focus and reaction time: With cruise control handling the speed, drivers can pay more attention to the road and what’s happening around them. This can improve their ability to react quickly to unexpected situations, potentially avoiding accidents.
6. Predictable arrival times: Maintaining a consistent speed with cruise control helps drivers better estimate their arrival times, making it easier to manage their schedules. This predictability can be crucial for meeting delivery deadlines and planning rest breaks.
7. Handling weather conditions: Maintaining a steady speed can be safer in certain weather conditions, such as light rain or moderate weather. Cruise control can help drivers manage their speed more effectively in these situations, though it should be used cautiously to avoid issues like hydroplaning or loss of control.

The right way to use cruise control

While cruise control is a valuable tool for truck drivers, it's essential to use it correctly to maximize its benefits and ensure safety. Here's a guide on the right way to use cruise control.

1. When to use cruise control

Knowing when to use cruise control is the first step to using it effectively. Cruise control works best on long, open highways with light traffic and good weather. These conditions allow cruise control to maintain a steady speed without many interruptions.?You should avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic or crowded areas where you need to change your speed often and move around other vehicles.?Also, don't use cruise control in bad weather like heavy rain, snow, or icy roads because it can make it harder to control your vehicle. Using cruise control in the right situations helps you drive safely and efficiently.

1. Setting up cruise control

To use cruise control, turn it on with the button on your vehicle’s control panel. Usually, there are buttons to set your desired speed and to turn the system on or off.?Once you’ve turned it on, accelerate to the speed you want to maintain, then press the "set" button.?Make sure the speed you choose is within the legal limits and suitable for the current road conditions.?Properly setting up cruise control helps you keep a consistent speed, which can save fuel and reduce how tired you get from driving.

1. Adjusting speed and turning off

Most cruise control systems let you adjust your speed without turning the system off. You can use the buttons to slowly increase or decrease your speed to match traffic flow or changes in speed limits.?However, be ready to take manual control if needed. You can do this by pressing the brake pedal or turning off the cruise control system.?Taking control of your speed quickly is important for handling unexpected situations on the road.

1. Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

Many newer trucks have Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a more advanced version of regular cruise control, as mentioned at the beginning of this post.?ACC keeps your set speed and changes it to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This is especially useful in traffic because it reduces the need for constant speed adjustments.?To use ACC, make sure you understand how it works, including setting the distance between your truck and the vehicle ahead. Using ACC can make your driving experience safer and more convenient.

1. Safety tips

Even when using cruise control, stay alert and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Cruise control is just a tool to help you maintain speed; it doesn’t replace the need for active driving.?Always pay attention to the road and what’s happening around you. Also, keep your foot near the brake pedal to quickly slow down or stop if needed. Staying vigilant while using cruise control ensures you can respond to sudden changes or dangers on the road.

It’s great to have convenience, but be careful

While cruise control offers great convenience for truck drivers—making long journeys smoother and more efficient—it's important to use it wisely.?The ease of maintaining a steady speed can improve your comfort and reduce fatigue, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant and adapt to changing road conditions.?Cruise control should never replace active driving; drivers must stay alert and ready to take manual control if needed.?Balance the benefits of cruise control with attentive driving, and make sure that convenience doesn’t compromise safety.

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