Highway driving can be one of the most stressful parts of owning a vehicle, especially during long trips or in a stop-and-go traffic snarl. That’s why Ford has invested heavily in driver-assist technologies that make your time on the road safer and more comfortable. One of Ford’s standout innovations for highway driving is Adaptive Cruise Control, a system designed to automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
At Mike White Ford in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho, we’re convinced that features like Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control improve convenience and reduce road stress, making a real difference in day-to-day driving safety across North Idaho and beyond for our customers.
What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an advanced version of traditional cruise control. With traditional cruise control, you set your speedometer to maintain a consistent speed to make long highway drives less tiring; many drivers will attest to its benefits on long road trips through the countryside.
ACC, however, is a level above. Instead of just maintaining a set speed, Ford’s system uses radar and camera sensors to monitor the traffic ahead. If a slower vehicle moves into your lane, ACC automatically reduces your speed to maintain a safe following distance. Once the road clears, it brings you back up to your preset speed without the driver needing to brake or accelerate or reset the cruise control manually.
Some Ford models also include Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering features. Stop-and-Go allows the system to bring the vehicle to a complete stop in heavy traffic and then resume driving when conditions allow. Lane Centering helps keep your vehicle in the middle of your lane, providing gentle steering assistance when needed.
How ACC Enhances Safety
Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control is more than a convenience feature; it’s a significant safety upgrade. Here’s how it helps protect you and your passengers:
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Reduces Driver Fatigue: Long highway drives or traffic jams require speed adjustments. ACC handles that workload, allowing you to focus on other aspects of driving without getting overtaxed.
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Prevents Tailgating: By automatically maintaining a safe distance, the system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions caused by following too closely or other cars cutting in front.
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Improves Reaction Time: ACC reacts faster than most human drivers can when traffic slows down, giving you an added layer of safety.
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Encourages Smoother Traffic Flow: With fewer sudden braking or acceleration changes, ACC helps create a more consistent, predictable driving pattern for you and other drivers.
Available on a Wide Range of Ford Models
Ford offers Adaptive Cruise Control across many of its most popular vehicles, including the F-150, Escape, Explorer, Edge, and Expedition. In most models, it’s part of the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist suite, a collection of driver-assist features designed to enhance awareness, control, and safety.
No matter what you drive, Ford’s ACC adapts to your driving style and the conditions around you, making it an excellent companion for the highways and scenic routes of North Idaho.
Experience Adaptive Cruise Control at Mike White Ford
Advanced automotive technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control are a reminder that driving doesn’t have to be stressful or exhausting. With each new model year, Ford continues to refine its systems under the hood, in the driver’s seat, and throughout the cabin to improve driveability, comfort, and safety. With every innovation, we add greater responsiveness and safety features that keep you in control while offering a more relaxed and enjoyable driving experience for you and your passengers.
If you’d like to experience Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control for yourself, visit Mike White Ford at one of our showrooms in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint. Our team can walk you through how the system works, demonstrate its features, and help you explore the latest Ford models equipped with this advanced technology.