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Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is another data intensive system that works with other safety systems, normally a collision warning system (CWS). The ACC system will communicate with the engine to increase or decrease the vehicle’s cruising speed based on the surrounding traffic. Normal cruise control only maintains vehicle speed based on the driver selected speed.
Scope
Information regarding ACC can apply to carriers, drivers, and employers.
Regulatory citations
- None
Key definitions
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC): ACC systems communicate with the engine to increase or decrease a vehicle’s cruising speed to match the vehicle in front of the driver and maintain about a 3-second following distance.
- Collision warning system (CWS): A CWS is a vehicle safety feature that will monitor a vehicle's speed and surrounding traffic, alerting the driver to brake when necessary.
Summary of requirements
If the vehicle in front of the driver is operating at a slower speed, an ACC system will set the control speed to match the speed of that vehicle to maintain about a 3-second following distance.
If there’s a choice, the driver should set the ACC to the greatest following distance.
If equipped, a driver shouldn’t use ACC or other cruise control when the road conditions involve traffic, an urban area, or adverse weather such as rain, ice, snow, or wind. Drivers should always focus on defensive driving and shouldn’t rely on these systems.