Dennis The B
US Veteran
Wednesday, I picked up my newly leased 2017 Escape. This is my second one, and the lease cost for a loaded Titanium is quite a bit less than the Explorer XLT.
One of the options available for 2017, is the adaptive cruise control. I've had cruise control on cars since 1977, and I've always appreciated how much fatigue they prevent.
Adaptive cruise control uses the vehicle's front sensors to determine the distance to the vehicle in front. A rocker switch on the steering wheel allows you to set the distance you believe is safe for maintaining distance.
As the traffic in front of you speeds up, or slows down, the cruise control now modifies your speed setting down, or up to the speed you've set. It also has a feature which will start vehicle braking in the event someone pulls in front of you, and the distance is too little.
Friday, I had the first-hand opportunity to see just how effective the system is. I was on I-75 southbound, and south of Findlay, OH. We were strung out in a line in the left lane, while semis and slower drivers were in the right lane. As part of my normal driving, I watch drivers, to see if they "telegraph" their intention to change lanes - head and body movement, etc.
The driver of a later model Acura, was actually tailgating a semi. In an instant, and less than 50 feet in front and to the right, he suddenly changed lanes; no signal, no warning. His speed was probably no more than 55 mph, versus my cruising speed of 70.
In less than a half-second, the cruise control system, not only sensed his movement, but it immediately applied the brakes to my vehicle. There are six red LED's on the dash which reflect in the windshield when the brakes are applied by the system.
I still have good reflexes, but I had barely gotten my foot off the floor when I was slowed safely, but firmly. Would I have reacted quickly enough? I like to think I would, but this system added a real reactive margin.
If you're planning to buy/lease a new car, and this option is available, don't hesitate to pay the additional cost. It can be a life saver.
One of the options available for 2017, is the adaptive cruise control. I've had cruise control on cars since 1977, and I've always appreciated how much fatigue they prevent.
Adaptive cruise control uses the vehicle's front sensors to determine the distance to the vehicle in front. A rocker switch on the steering wheel allows you to set the distance you believe is safe for maintaining distance.
As the traffic in front of you speeds up, or slows down, the cruise control now modifies your speed setting down, or up to the speed you've set. It also has a feature which will start vehicle braking in the event someone pulls in front of you, and the distance is too little.
Friday, I had the first-hand opportunity to see just how effective the system is. I was on I-75 southbound, and south of Findlay, OH. We were strung out in a line in the left lane, while semis and slower drivers were in the right lane. As part of my normal driving, I watch drivers, to see if they "telegraph" their intention to change lanes - head and body movement, etc.
The driver of a later model Acura, was actually tailgating a semi. In an instant, and less than 50 feet in front and to the right, he suddenly changed lanes; no signal, no warning. His speed was probably no more than 55 mph, versus my cruising speed of 70.
In less than a half-second, the cruise control system, not only sensed his movement, but it immediately applied the brakes to my vehicle. There are six red LED's on the dash which reflect in the windshield when the brakes are applied by the system.
I still have good reflexes, but I had barely gotten my foot off the floor when I was slowed safely, but firmly. Would I have reacted quickly enough? I like to think I would, but this system added a real reactive margin.
If you're planning to buy/lease a new car, and this option is available, don't hesitate to pay the additional cost. It can be a life saver.