Summer is the deadliest time on Minnesota roads, but there are actually more crashes during the winter, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Winter driving can be challenging and dangerous in Minnesota. Slowing down and leaving more space between you and other vehicles are obvious ways to help prevent crashes. However, many drivers still wonder about cruise control and whether advancements in auto technology make it safe to use during the winter.
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Minnesota State Patrol Warns Drivers About Cruise Control in Winter
According to Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol, the old-school advice remains the gold standard for safety. Despite the arrival of all-wheel drive, sophisticated traction control, and high-performance winter tires, the State Patrol warns that cruise control remains a significant hazard on wet, snowy, or icy roadways.
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Christianson explains, “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.”
Cruise control is useful in dry conditions but should be avoided if the road is wet, icy, or covered in snow or slush.
“You are your vehicle’s best safety feature,” Christianson said. Drivers are encouraged to evaluate three factors before engaging cruise control:
Road conditions: Is the surface wet, icy, or covered in slush?
Visibility: Is snow, rain, or fog obscuring the road ahead?
Traffic flow: Is traffic moving smoothly, or is it heavy and stop-and-go?
If conditions are anything less than ideal, safety experts say cruise control should be avoided.
Minnesota State Patrol Warns Drivers About Cruise Control
