Question

Difficulty: MediumWinter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

Drivers should avoid engaging cruise control when operating a vehicle on roads covered with snow, slush, or ice.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is True. Cruise control should never be used on icy, snowy, or slushy roads because any sudden loss of tire traction can cause the automated system to increase power, resulting in severe skidding or spin-out.
The statement is correct because using cruise control on low-traction winter surfaces like snow or ice can trigger sudden wheel spin and skidding when the system attempts to maintain vehicle speed during traction loss.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate how cruise control responds to changes in vehicle speed on low-friction surfaces.
Identify that cruise control increases engine torque when vehicle speed drops, which happens when tires slip on snow or ice.
The cruise control system aims only to maintain a set speed and is unaware of road traction conditions.
2
Determine the proper driver action for vehicle safety in winter conditions.
Conclude that manual speed control is necessary so the driver can immediately release the accelerator if traction is lost.
Immediate driver control over acceleration and decelerating smoothly prevents loss of vehicle control.

Key Concept

Hazards of Cruise Control on Winter Road Surfaces
Estimated Time:45s
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