Is it okay to use cruise control during any rain?

ASK A TROOPER

By Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

 

Question:  My husband always used to say "never use your cruise control during any rain".  

 

Is that still true with advances on tires and technology?

 

Answer:  He is correct, cruise control should never be used on wet or icy roadways.  If your wheels lose traction, the cruise control will continue to accelerate, causing the vehicle to skid. By the time you realize you are skidding, it could be too late.

 

With dry road conditions, cruise control helps you safely monitor your speed, stay within the speed limit and improve driving comfort on long, fairly straight stretches of road. It should be used only when you are able to drive at a steady speed with safe road conditions. 

 

On icy, snow-covered or wet roads.

 

When deciding if you should set your cruise control:

 

• Ask yourself if it’s safe to travel the speed limit. If not, it isn’t safe to set your cruise.

 

• Is there limited visibility? If it’s foggy, snowing, or raining and your range of visibility is significantly reduced, play it safe. Don’t set your cruise.

 

• Is traffic moving smoothly? If it’s stop-and-go, or there’s heavy traffic around you, it’s not safe to use cruise.

 

Remember that using your cruise control can be an advantage when driving long distances, but YOU are your vehicle’s best safety feature.

 

Question: Hello, we took a trip to the cities this summer. While down there we came across these freeway ramp meters. I know we don’t have those in out-state Minnesota but I thought you might be able to write about it in one of your articles for anyone that travels. Thank you for all you do and be safe!

 

Answer: Thank you. I don’t believe this is a topic I’ve wrote about before but I’d be happy to do so. 

 

Ramp meters are signal lights on freeway entrance ramps that help control the flow of merging traffic. Like traffic signals at intersections, red, yellow, and green lights indicate when drivers can proceed. Only one car may proceed each time the light is green.

 

One Car Per Green Light: Used with freeway ramp meters at on-ramps to indicate that one car may proceed each time the light turns green. 

 

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

 

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)