Adaptive cruise control is a relatively new technological tool for drivers, designed to keep them safe by automatically adjusting speeds to keep a reasonable distance between cars. Instead, some speed demons are using it to put the pedal to the metal.
Drivers are significantly more likely to speed when using adaptive cruise control, according to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That is because many drivers set the cruise control speed at a rate that is over the legal limit.
“ACC does have some safety benefits, but it’s important to consider how drivers might cancel out these benefits by misusing the system,” IIHS Statistician Sam Monfort, who led the study, said in a statement announcing the results. “Speed at impact is among the most important factors in whether or not a crash turns out to be fatal.”
Monfort and his research team studied 40 drivers in Boston over the course of four weeks. The motorists were given either a 2016 Range Rover Evoque equipped with adaptive cruise control or a 2017 Volvo S90 featuring ACC and Pilot Assist, which also includes lane centering technology.
The drivers were nearly 25% more likely to speed when using the driver assistance technology, IIHS found. They also exceeded the speed limit by a slightly wider margin (one mile per hour) when using the technology.
IIHS also pointed out that there are signs that ACC can reduce the overall risk of a crash. An IIHS study last year showed that the technology is improving in its ability to stop accidents from happening. The group also noted that the latest study did not account for other crash-related factors, like whether drivers set following distances at a greater length when speeding.
Still, Montfort says the risk is clear.
“Driving faster is more dangerous,” he said. “You can’t argue with physics.”
How a Denver Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help
Whether someone is using driver-assist technology or doing it manually, speeding kills. That is one reason why even the most cautious drivers are at risk of a crash anytime they hit the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Colorado, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced Denver auto accident lawyer. A seasoned attorney can help you identify those responsible and ensure that they are held liable for their actions.
At Levine Law, our injury attorneys have decades of combined experience helping people hurt in accidents caused by speeding and other factors get the full compensation available under the law. Our lawyers are committed to guiding clients through the legal process with experience and personalized attention. We are proud to have a strong track record of success for the people that we represent.
Our lawyers are pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver auto accident lawyer.
