Pros and Cons of Using Cruise Control When Driving
Ever find yourself settling into a long drive, wishing you didn’t have to keep your foot on the gas? Cruise control is an electronic system that takes over speed management, keeping a steady pace so you can focus on the road without constant adjustments.
While it improves fuel efficiency, reduces fatigue, and regulates speed, overuse can create safety risks. Relying on it too much in bad weather or heavy traffic can slow reaction time or make it harder to respond to sudden changes, putting everyone at risk.
Knowing when to use it and when to take control can help you stay safe behind the wheel.
What Is Cruise Control?
Found in most sedans, SUVs, and trucks, cruise control maintains a steady speed without constant pedal input. The driver activates the system by pressing a button or switching it on. Then, set their preferred speed using the steering wheel or dashboard controls. The system maintains the speed until the driver disables it by braking, pressing the gas, or turning it off.
Some newer vehicles also include adaptive cruise control (ACC), which adjusts speed automatically in response to traffic, reducing the need for manual adjustments on highways.
Benefits of Cruise Control in Everyday Driving
Cruise control offers several advantages that can make driving more convenient and efficient:
- Better Fuel Efficiency: Cruise control helps conserve fuel by keeping a steady speed and avoiding unnecessary acceleration or braking. On flat highways, it can improve gas mileage, making long drives more efficient.
- Helps Prevent Unintentional Speeding: On long stretches of road, it’s easy to go faster than intended. Cruise control holds a steady pace, helping you stay within safe limits and avoid unnecessary risks.
- Reduces Fatigue on Long Drives: Holding the accelerator for hours can strain your leg and add to overall fatigue, increasing the risk of a crash. When cruise control manages speed, it gives your foot a break, making long trips easier.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Features: Vehicles with ACC often include lane-centering and braking assistance, providing extra stability and responsiveness on the road.
However, while cruise control offers these benefits, it’s not always the right choice for every situation.
Risks and Limitations of Cruise Control
While cruise control improves driving comfort, it also comes with potential risks that drivers should be aware of, including:
Decreased Driver Attentiveness
Cruise control maintains a steady speed but can also reduce driver attentiveness. Without frequent adjustments, focus may drift, resulting in slower reaction times during emergencies.
Unsuitability in Adverse Weather Conditions
Using cruise control in rain, snow, or ice can be dangerous. The system isn’t designed to handle sudden traction changes, increasing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning. In slippery conditions, manual control over speed is essential for safer driving.
Cruise control is best for open highways, not stop-and-go traffic. Constant braking and manual adjustments make it ineffective, and relying on it in congestion can delay braking responses, raising the risk of rear-end collisions.
Traditional cruise control has trouble adjusting to steep inclines and declines. It may accelerate too quickly uphill or brake too hard downhill, leading to inefficient fuel use and making it harder to maintain control on winding roads.
Cruise control relies on electronic components that can fail due to software glitches or sensor issues. In some cases, malfunctions prevent the system from turning off properly, creating a safety risk.
GM recalled over 2,000 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles in 2025 due to a software error that could affect braking. These problems highlight the need for drivers to stay alert and be ready to take control.
Because of these risks, knowing when to use cruise control and when to switch to manual driving is essential.
When To Use Cruise Control vs. Manual Adjustments
Not sure when to use your car’s cruise control feature? Use this guide to determine when cruise control is beneficial and when to avoid it for safer driving:
| When To Use | When Not To Use |
| On long highway drives with minimal trafficWhen road conditions are dry and clearOn flat terrain where speed adjustments are minimalWhen looking to improve fuel efficiency on extended trips | During heavy rain, snow, or icy conditionsIn congested traffic or stop-and-go driving situationsOn winding roads or steep inclinesWhen feeling fatigued or distracted to ensure full attentiveness |
Cruise control can be a valuable tool for making long drives more comfortable and efficient, but it’s not a substitute for active driving engagement. Drivers should always remain alert and be prepared to take control when necessary.
Stay Safe and Drive Responsibly
While cruise control features are helpful, reckless or improper use can lead to serious accidents. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s misuse of cruise control or faulty software, our experienced Appleton car accident lawyers can help protect your rights.
Our team at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case and assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.