Back

Using Cruise Control in Your Commercial Truck

Jan. 6 2023 How-To By DeBary Truck Sales

Share

A common issue for commercial truck drivers is controlling their speeds on the highway. In over 50% of large truck accidents, one of the biggest causes of the accident is speeding on the part of the truck driver. Because large trucks can’t stop as quickly as smaller vehicles, it’s essential that truck drivers avoid exceeding speed limits as much as they can. 

One great way to do this is to use cruise control to keep your commercial truck at an even rate of speed. Here’s what to know about cruise control in a truck.

1. Cruise Control Gives You a Record

Using your cruise control can help you out if your truck does get into an accident. The engine control module (ECM) on your truck’s engine will record your usage of cruise control, which you can use to prove to your insurance or to law enforcement that you were traveling at a legal and safe rate of speed.

2. Avoid Using Cruise Control in Bad Weather

There are some occasions where it’s not beneficial to use your cruise control. One road condition to be mindful of is wet roads, where precipitation causes the asphalt to become slippery. Your truck won’t be able to stop as quickly and you could end up liable for damages if you get into an accident on slippery roads while your cruise control is on. Switch off the cruise control when you’re entering bad weather so that you can slow your truck down to a safer speed.

3. Cruise Control Lets You Redirect Your Focus

When you’re using cruise control in safe conditions, you can turn your attention to the traffic around your truck instead of trying to stay within a legal speed limit by constantly accelerating and braking. Cruise control also helps you reduce fuel consumption since you won’t be putting as much pressure on your engine.

Come on down to our Florida dealership in Sanford today to take a tour of our inventory of new and used commercial trucks for sale. DeBary Truck Sales is proud to be your Florida commercial truck dealer, serving the cities of Orlando and Tampa, as well as our neighbors to the north in Atlanta, GA.