What is the effect of using cruise control in wet conditions?

Using cruise control in wet conditions can increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle due to several key factors. When roads are wet, the traction between the tires and the road surface is significantly reduced. Cruise control maintains a constant speed, which can lead to an unintended acceleration if traction is lost, especially when hitting patches of water or slick areas. This can result in hydroplaning, where the vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road completely, leading to a loss of steering control and an increased likelihood of skidding or spinning out.

Additionally, the automatic speeds set by cruise control may not adequately respond to sudden changes in road conditions, such as a lack of adequate stopping distance required when roads are slippery. In such environments, it is crucial for drivers to be fully engaged and ready to adjust their speed and steering input as necessary, which is compromised when cruise control is active. Therefore, utilizing cruise control on wet roads can pose significant safety hazards and should generally be avoided.