Re: Speed limiters

On 7/6/2024 10:21 AM, Jeroen Belleman wrote:

On 7/6/24 18:59, Don Y wrote:

[....]
Most US cars won't allow the cruise control to be set below, e.g., 40MPH.
I think the reasoning is that you should be actively controling the
vehicle in those settings where regulators have decided the speed limit
should be low.
[...]

 That's just where cruise control is useful! In cars with automatic
gearboxes, it's not easy to maintain constant speed without keeping
an eye on the speed dial all the time, while you should be watching
the road instead!
 With manual gear boxes, it's much easier.

I suspect cruise control is to avoid becoming "velocitized"; drifting
into a less aware state due to the monotony of highway driving.
(anyone who has drive across Kansas would understand)
In areas where the speed limit is low, you are traveling slower
AND likely to encounter more "unexpected events" (e.g., the
vehicle in front of you suddenly stopping).
Newer vehicles use adaptive speed control, sensing your approach
to vehicles ahead of you and automatically slowing to maintain a safe
distance.
Some such implementations "get confused" and will reduce your speed
while you are deliberately trying to accelerate to overtake the
vehicle in front of you -- a confounding situation as you are
distracted from the maneuver when your attention is most needed, there.