Comments on: Age Old Dilemma or is it Old Age?

By: Wonder

Wonder — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:39:02 +0000

That makes a lot more sense, Tom! I just know it’s scary, happens fast and “out of control” has no place on the roadways. Can happen just as quick without cruise control on if you drive too fast on slick or wet roads, too!

By: Tom Mahoney

Tom Mahoney — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:26:56 +0000

As a former police officer, I can tell you that while it’s true that cruise control is made for normal driving conditions and shouldn’t be used in bad weather, the reason given is totally false. Read it. “the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydro-plane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed…”

Sorry, when your tires loose contact with the pavement, your car isn’t going to accelerate. It can’t – your tires lost contact with the pavement! Duh. Do you go faster when your tires spin in the snow?

The problem is that when the tires break traction, they will tend to spin faster causing the hydroplane situation to get worse. And when the tires grab again, they will be going at a different rotational speed than the vehicle, causing yet more handling difficulty.

By: jl scott

jl scott — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:15:53 +0000

Hey Wonder!

As many years as I’ve driven – always using Cruise Control when I travel – I’ve never heard this advice before. Since I love driving, I’m surprised it hasn’t happened to me, although, I have to admit, I do try NOT to drive in the rain due to my lead foot.

Excuse me now while I go pass this on to all my progeny and their progeny, et al.

Since I’m always cautioning THEM not to drive too fast, I know they can’t wait to get, yet another, warning from me. Maybe I’ll just send them over here to you!

By: Mary Ann

Mary Ann — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:53:49 +0000

Oh my Gosh, that is so scary! I’ve hydroplaned about three times in my 40 some years of driving, it’s not fun! The state Trooper is right. “There should be a WARNING on the Drivers Sun Visor, Never Use Cruise Control In Wet/Icy Conditions.” Of course in smaller text explain the consequences in visuals and writing.
Thanks for sharing Wonder, you have probably saved hundreds of lives in the ten minutes it took me to read and post my comment.

Tell your grand kids.

By: Wonder

Wonder — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:33:12 +0000

Thanks Arlene! It will soon be winter driving weather in the North country where I live. I sure hope my grandkids get reminded about this one :)

By: Arleen Bothwell

Arleen Bothwell — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:23:41 +0000

My ex-husband would tell people about this from time to time, and he knew about it from his three years as a trucker. This is worth emailing to a friends list, and who’s not to gain from having just one more disclaimer on the sun visor when one incident could permanently change your life.