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Cruise control safety is essential for long-distance driving. Learn how to use cruise control effectively with expert tips from Tuber Towing. This guide covers when to use it, when to avoid it, and how to stay alert while cruising.

At Tuber Towing, we’ve seen what happens when drivers misuse cruise control — from fender benders in traffic to serious accidents in bad weather. So, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you use cruise control safely and effectively.

When NOT to Use Cruise Control

Let’s start with the critical don’ts. Cruise control isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool, and knowing when to avoid it can prevent serious accidents.

1. Don’t Use Cruise Control in Traffic

It might be tempting to flip on cruise control even during city or highway congestion, but this is a major safety risk. Cruise control takes over the throttle, reducing your ability to respond quickly to changes around you.

If a car suddenly brakes, changes lanes, or swerves in front of you, you may not be able to react in time while cruise control is maintaining a constant speed.

Tip: If you’re driving in any situation where frequent braking or maneuvering is required, keep full manual control.

2. Don’t Use Cruise Control When You’re Tired

Driving while fatigued is already dangerous, but adding cruise control to the mix can make it worse. Since the feature reduces the amount of effort required to drive, it can further relax you—a serious issue when you’re already drowsy.

Sleepiness can make your reactions slower and may even cause you to nod off. Cruise control won’t keep you safe if your hands leave the wheel or your eyes leave the road.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling tired, pull over in a safe, public, and well-lit area, and take a short nap. Your safety is always worth the pause.

3. Don’t Use Cruise Control in Bad Weather

Rain, snow, ice, or even heavy wind — cruise control and inclement weather don’t mix. When roads are slippery or visibility is poor, keeping manual control of your vehicle is crucial.

Cruise control doesn’t adapt to slippery conditions. You could hydroplane, spin out, or slide, especially if the system continues to apply throttle on a slick surface.

Instead: Slow down, maintain a safe distance from other cars, and stay off cruise control until the weather improves.

For more tips on weather-related driving, check out our Winter Driving Tips blog.

When It’s Safe to Use Cruise Control

Cruise control is most useful on long, open stretches of highway where conditions are safe, and traffic is minimal. Here’s when and how to use it properly:

1. Use Cruise Control on Open Highways

Highway driving is where cruise control shines. It keeps your speed consistent, helping reduce unnecessary fuel consumption caused by speed fluctuations. It also lessens leg fatigue from keeping your foot on the accelerator for hours.

Be sure to:

• Keep both hands on the wheel at all times.

• Stay alert and focused.

• Monitor the road and be ready to deactivate cruise control quickly if traffic changes.

2. Monitor Road Conditions Constantly

Even if you’re cruising on an empty highway, always be aware of upcoming obstacles, roadwork, or curves. Cruise control is only safe when you can reasonably expect consistent road conditions for several minutes or longer.

Deactivate cruise control immediately if:

• Traffic increases

• The road becomes curvy or hilly

• Visibility worsens

• You approach construction zones or intersections

3. Use Adaptive Cruise Control, If Available

Many newer vehicles now include adaptive cruise control—a smarter version that automatically adjusts your speed based on the car ahead. It’s a great option for longer drives, but even this advanced tech can’t replace your own judgment.

Stay engaged and alert, and don’t rely entirely on automation.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Even the safest driver can experience unexpected issues like flat tires, mechanical problems, or battery failure. If you’re stuck on the road, call the trusted professionals at Tuber Towing in Edmonton.

We offer:

• 24/7 emergency towing

• Roadside assistance

• Fast response times across Edmonton and surrounding areas

Call us anytime: 587-59-TUBER (587-598-8237)

Want to Learn More? Watch Us in Action!

Looking to see real-life towing recoveries and vehicle safety tutorials? Head over to our official YouTube channel, TuberTaylor.

We post:

• Behind-the-scenes towing rescues

• Safe driving tips

• Breakdowns of common car problems

• Equipment demos and expert advice

Subscribe to TuberTaylor on YouTube and learn how to handle car trouble the right way — with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Cruise Control is a Tool — Use it Wisely

Cruise control is incredibly helpful, but only when used properly and in the right setting. By knowing when to activate it and — more importantly — when to turn it off, you can enjoy smoother drives and reduce the risk of accidents.

As always, if you’re ever in doubt or need help on the road, remember:

Tuber Towing Cares.
We’re just one call away — day or night.