Adaptive Cruise Control - Beware!

Back in the 70's when I was young and idealistic, I boycotted sugar, grapes, coffee (well..almost) and everything Nestles ever made until one day I realized it didn't phase the big corporations a bit because for every morning cup I missed millions were still slurping theirs down. "We" do not have the financial staying power to outlast the "them".

A comparative few have the means, wit, and fortitude to get their own truck authority and claim a modicum of independence but they are exceptional and even they are being prodded into the chute with regulations like eld, hos, carb, and eventually speed limiters.

 

I'm sorry, but this whole thread makes me think this industry is over regulated

 

Comes down to if your not paying attention then I guess your a prime candidate for adaptive cruz control, you kind of make the case for them as to why it necessary.

I Like and use it , it can enhance the safety of your driving and does not relieve you of the responsibility of paying attention.

I run CA-99 a lot, this time of year we get a considerable amount of tule-fog and the radar that operates your cruise control sees thru the fog better than you can.

Does not mean you can haul butt in the fog but it is one more thing in your arsenal toward keeping you and those around you safer.

A driver needs to welcome these changes that actually add safety margins to our jobs. And watching 18 wheelers tailgating 4 wheelers makes it easier for them to mandate these type of items.

 

If your running cruise control in heavy fog you have already screwed up.

 

Not if you have the adaptive cruz it will actually tell you the distance to the next vehicle and there speed.

Also it will detect a problem sooner than you will including lane position.

 

You don’t have to be running cruise control to leverage the technology. An indicator will show on the dash an upcoming object, it’s speed and it’s distance.

 

In any case its welcome in my cab this time of year. Dont mind the setable alarm either.

 

Read @Powder Joints post. There's your "we" . Can't fight it when there is a vast population delighted to relinquish independence for the illusion of security.

Not that I am in any position to throw stones. I chose to become a company driver and accept the rules they imposed because I wanted that steady check.

 

There are a few different systems that interact with each other.
It's the CMS (Collision Mitigation System) that will override the cruise so you don't just plow into stuff. It will try a few different methods to slow down the truck and keep a safe distance. Derate the motor to reduce power first, then cycle though the different engine break levels, and then apply the service brakes.

The adaptive cruise just increases torque/power when it senses you are climbing a hill and reduces power when you crest a hill. So it dosen't launch you over the tops of hills and still apply throttle when you start to go down hill like the old cruise would do. It can use GPS and mapping to change the engine parameters/rating on the fly so it has more power before you get to a hill and reduce power if you are on flat land.

There is also a stability control system that will detrate the motor to slow you down if you take a corner too fast. It can even apply the breaks to separate wheel positions to slow you down. like applying the brakes to only the inside wheels when going around a corner to counter the lateral force more effectively than just applying all the brakes.

The "integrated drive train" system will even reduce power when starting out and after shifts to reduce strain on the drive train to prevent damage. Running over a set of train tracks or even tracks on a wet road, just hammer down on the throttle like a meat head. It won't let you twist up a drive line or snap an axle....

That's a lot of computers, convoluted wiring, and sensors to make that happen. I don't see how that stuff is going to stand the test of time and elements when they need to put all that stuff in there as cheap as possible.

 

Really?? We have that silly irritating crap on our trucks. All it shows is a flashing light and a irritating sound. I have learned to ignore both that and the ridiculous “lane departure system “.
As I posted in another thread, I run the fog line. And will not run dead center like that lane system wants me too. Been doing it this way since 1976 and several million miles accident free.
Nothing can replace the reliable Mk 1 mod 0 eyeball.
And remember this, some computer geek who drives a Prius is designing and pushing this “technology”.