Cruise control can be a useful and convenient way to travel
when traveling long distance on a highway that is free of traffic. However,
this is not a feature you should use if driving in the rain. If you’re using
cruise control and heavy rain starts pouring down, be sure to disable cruise
control. If you end up hydroplaning, your cruise control can make it a lot more
dangerous. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between the wheels
of a vehicle and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction that prevents
the vehicle from responding to control inputs. This is why wet roads make
driving conditions dangerous – because the rainwater causes the oil and grease
on the road to rise up to the top of the water, creating a slippery, ice-like
condition on the road. Hydroplaning can even happen at speeds as low as 35 MPH.
If this occurs while cruise control is turned on, it can be
made worse because the cruise control will continue to try to keep your vehicle
going at a constant speed. You can disable it by applying your brakes, but if
you do not have anti-lock brakes, hitting your brakes while hydroplaning will
only make the skidding worse.
If you’re driving on wet roads, disable your cruise control and
lower your speed. If you do start to skid or hydroplane, take your foot off the
gas, grasp the steering wheel with both hands, and steer toward the direction
of the skid. Once you have some control you can correct your car and get
centered back in your lane.
Although most modern vehicles have traction control systems
in place to avoid these issues while driving on wet roads, there are still
older vehicles that do not have these types of systems. Either way, cruise
control systems vary per vehicle. The main danger of cruise control is the
initial speed and the “hitting the brake” reaction that most people perform
when losing control of their vehicle, particularly for vehicles without
anti-lock brake systems. It should be noted, however, that if using cruise
control on wet roads, your vehicle wouldn’t go faster because there is no
traction; it will only try to maintain speed. But it is still recommended you
should turn off cruise control and reduce your speed when it is raining or the
roads are wet.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
