ADAPTIVE Cruise Control Car Dashboard Light
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a cruise control intelligent driver-assistance technology that automatically changes the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from cars ahead. As of 2019, it is also known by 20 other names that reflect its fundamental functions. This is sometimes referred to as Dynamic cruise control.
Sensor data from on-board sensors is used to control the system. Such systems may use a radar or laser sensor, as well as a camera configuration, enabling the vehicle to stop when it senses another vehicle ahead, and then accelerate when traffic permits.
ACC technology is generally considered as a critical component of future generations of intelligent automobiles. They have an effect on driving safety and convenience, as well as improving road capacity by maintaining optimum vehicle separation and minimizing driver mistakes. According to SAE International, vehicles having autonomous cruise control are classified as Level 1 autonomous vehicles. When used in conjunction with another driver assistance function, such as lane centering, the vehicle is classified as a Level 2 autonomous vehicle.
Adaptive cruise control does not offer complete autonomy: the technology merely assists the driver and does not drive the vehicle on its own.
What exactly is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive Cruise Control is a more sophisticated variant of conventional cruise control. The only difference is that an adaptive cruise control system helps the driver by ensuring their car maintains a safe width from the vehicle ahead while maintaining a set speed using cameras, lasers, radars, or a combination of the three. Furthermore, adaptive cruise control may change the vehicle’s speed, allowing drivers to concentrate more on the road.
Keep in mind that the functions of adaptive cruise control are the same across the board; however, their nomenclature may differ depending on the brand of car. Among them are:
- Dynamic cruise control
- Radar cruise control
- Automatic cruise control
- Intelligent cruise control
- Active cruise control
- Cruise control that is intelligent
This technology includes two types: Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go. As previously said, the Adaptive Cruise Control is a function that keeps the car at a constant speed and enables it to raise or reduce speed depending on the distance from the vehicle ahead.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, on the other hand, may accomplish the same. However, using this technology, the car will check for clearance from the vehicle in front of it. If the car comes to a complete stop, your vehicle will come to a complete halt as well. It also has the capacity to resume automatically and return the car to its normal speed once the route is clear.
The Advantages of Using Adaptive Cruise Control
Drivers may feel secure while driving thanks to sophisticated safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and many more. Especially while changing lanes or keeping enough distance between cars during stop-and-go traffic. With the advancement of such technology, it may be possible to reduce accidents and offer drivers one less thing to think about. This allows them to concentrate on the road.
Use of Adaptive Cruise Control Should Be Avoided
Though adaptive cruise control has numerous advantages, it also has some drawbacks. The driver should bear in mind that adaptive cruise control may not be as efficient in some weather situations, such as foggy, snowy, or wet weather, since the sensors may be impacted. Also, bear in mind that road circumstances, such as passing under an underpass, may influence the ACC sensors. Finally, bear in mind that adaptive cruise control improves safety and a feeling of autonomy when driving. However, it is the driver’s responsibility to stay focused on the road and practice safe driving practices.
Thank you -Erwin