What Does Adaptive Cruise Control Do?

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems are relatively new features which allow drivers to take their mind off their cruising speed. They allow a vehicle to accelerate or brake based on its distance from the car in front of it.

When a driver sets their cruise control in a vehicle with ACC, they will move at that speed until lasers, radar, cameras, or some combination of these technologies detect a slower moving car in front of them. The feature reportedly slows the car down to maintain a safe distance.

Some ACC systems automatically accelerate or brake in order to maintain a certain speed or distance from other vehicles. Other ACC systems, called “stop and go” systems, bring the car to a complete stop and only return to the set speed once traffic starts to move once more.

It is essential for the driver of a car to know that they are in control of the vehicle. Defects, even seemingly minor ones, can be a danger on the road when the driver is caught by surprise.

Are There Problems with ACC?

Generally, consumers are pleased with adaptive cruise control systems. According to Consumer Reports, 86 percent of users are satisfied with their ACC systems.

Unfortunately, the systems are not perfect. Experiments by civil and environmental engineers from Vanderbilt University reportedly found that ACC systems don’t solve traffic jam issues in the way that people may hope.

“Our experiments show that today’s driver-assist systems are not yet able to overcome the worst driving behaviors of humans that lead to extremely frustrating traffic jams,” Dan Work, a Vanderbilt associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, told Tech Xplore.

Even worse, these systems may be associated with serious defects that can lead to collisions and injuries. Although ACC systems may help regulate cruise speeds, the systems are reportedly unable to break for stationary objects – especially at high speeds.

Other complaints claim that the systems are unable to differentiate between actual moving vehicles in front of a car or vehicles in another lane. This can allegedly cause the vehicle’s ACC system to “misfire,” leading to unexpected speed changes. These sudden braking instances may startle drivers, which could contribute to erratic behavior and potential collisions. It is essential for drivers to respond calmly but quickly when a defect causes their car to act unexpectedly, but it is not always possible in an emergency collision situation.

If you believe that your vehicle may be defective, such as having issues with adaptive cruise control, you can check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to determine if there has been a recall issued. If there has been no recall issued, it is important to report the issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which you can do through their website.

Since 1966, the NHTSA has recalled more than 390 million vehicles over these kinds of safety defects, along with tens of millions of products such as tires and car seats. While recalls are an important response to safety defects, they are not always announced before people end up getting seriously injured or even killed by a safety defect.

Can I Recover Compensation for an Adaptive Cruise Control Defect?

If companies sell vehicles equipped with defective adaptive cruise control or other safety defects, like acceleration or deceleration issues, consumers may be able to seek compensation for repairs, resulting injuries, and other damages.

Consumers may qualify for vehicle safety defect compensation if one or more of the following apply:

• Your vehicle suffers from a safety defect which hasn’t been subject to recalls
• You or someone you know were injured due to a vehicle safety defect (even defects which have resulted in recalls)
• Your vehicle has a defect but is no longer covered by warranty
• Your vehicle has a defect which you believe should be covered under your warranty, but coverage has been denied

If you satisfy any of the above criteria, you may want to speak to a qualified legal professional so they can evaluate your case and determine if you are entitled to compensation.

Filing a class action lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially while dealing with an injury from a car accident, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.