Re: Cruise Control and Hydroplaning
From: Bill C.

My brother-in-law has first hand experience with an accident he is convinced is directly connected to the use of cruise control on when roadways are wet.

Traveling north in Florida on I-75 between Sarasota and Bradenton, his SUV suddenly went out of control, spun around into the median and flipped, landing upside down. Another driver pulled over and helped him out of the vehicle, unharmed other than some fire ant bites. (As his vehicle slid along the median upside down, the sun roof came open and literally shoveled a nest of fire ants into his car. But that's another story!)

While my brother-in-law and the other driver were standing aside surveying the damage and waiting for the Highway Patrol to arrive, another vehicle hit the same spot, lost control and crashed into the back of my brother-in-law's SUV. Those folks were injured, but none seriously.

The Highway Patrolman told my brother-in-law they should station a trooper and an ambulance on that particular stretch of interstate because of the frequency of accidents when it rains. Obviously, excess water accumulates on that section, which causes vehicles to hydroplane.

When my brother-in-law discussed the accident with an engineer friend of his, the friend asked if the cruise control was engaged. My brother-in-law said yes. The friend then explained that when the front wheels hit an accumulation of water, no matter how deep, the water slows the vehicle, almost imperceptibly. However, it slows enough for the cruise control to "kick-in" and apply power. The rear wheels race ahead causing the vehicle to spin out of control. It all happens in a split second. (The reaction of a front-wheel drive vehicle, of course, is not the same.)

Long story, but short message — don't use your cruise control when its raining or the streets are still wet.