The biggest disadvantage of an ordinary cruise control is the unawareness of the environment, which is why the driver must constantly intervene by braking and reactivating.
But its successor, the adaptive cruise control (ACC), introduced a real revolution. This smart system not only maintains a set speed, but actively monitors the traffic in front of you, automatically slowing down, braking and accelerating, turning monotonous driving and city traffic jams into a much more relaxed experience.
How does ACC work?
The heart of adaptive cruise control is a sophisticated perception system that mimics human senses. The main role is usually played by the radar, usually located behind the front fascia of the vehicle, which emits radio waves. By bouncing these waves off the vehicle in front, the system calculates distance and relative speed with extreme precision, and its biggest advantage is reliability in almost all weather conditions, from heavy rain to fog.
The radar is often joined by cameras, located on top of the windshield. They provide visual context, recognizing not only vehicles, but also traffic lanes, which allows the system to better predict the path. In more advanced systems, especially those approaching higher levels of autonomy, LiDAR is also used, which uses laser beams to create a detailed three-dimensional map of the environment.
Data from all sensors is sent to the electronic control unit (ECU), the “brain” of the operation. This is where complex algorithms and artificial intelligence come into play, processing huge amounts of data in milliseconds. The system does not only make decisions based on distance, but also takes into account speed, acceleration and predicts the behavior of the vehicle in front. Based on this analysis, the ECU sends precise commands to the actuators, the components responsible for throttle and brake control, ensuring smooth and safe distance maintenance.
It has various functions
Modern ACC systems have evolved far beyond the basic function of following a vehicle on the highway. One of the most useful innovations is the “Stop-and-Go” functionality, which allows the system to completely stop the vehicle in the queue and automatically start when the traffic starts. This eliminates tiring and repetitive movement in city crowds. The driver retains control of the interface, where he can adjust not only the desired maximum speed, but also the distance from the vehicle in front, usually choosing between three or four levels offered.
The symbols on the instrument panel clearly indicate whether the system is active and which gap level is selected. When ACC is combined with the Lane Keeping Assist system, the vehicle reaches Level 2 autonomy, where it can independently manage both longitudinal and lateral movement under certain conditions.
Adaptive cruise control is not omnipotent
Despite its sophistication, it’s crucial to remember that adaptive cruise control is not autopilot. It is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which means that full responsibility still lies with the man behind the wheel. The system has its limitations. In extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or dense fog, the sensors may be blocked, which will temporarily disable the system. Sharp turns can also be a challenge, as the radar can temporarily “lose” the vehicle ahead or misdetect a vehicle in the adjacent lane.
Situations such as another vehicle suddenly entering your lane require a quick reaction, and the system sometimes cannot react quickly enough. This is why it is necessary for the driver to always keep his hands on the steering wheel and carefully follow the traffic, ready to take control at any moment.
But despite this, adaptive cruise control is a perfect example of how technology, when used correctly, serves as an intelligent co-pilot that makes driving not only easier, but also safer for all road users.