Adaptive Cruise Control - do other drivers know you're using it?

[midcoastme]

We recently had a chance to try the adaptive cruise feature with slowing traffic. Driving at 65 mph we saw brake lights ahead in both lanes indicating some issue ahead. As we got closer to the slowing, almost stopped traffic ahead, the ACC slowed the truck down to about 6 mph as it is supposed to (I had my foot ready to hit the brake if necessary, but the truck did it for me).

What I'm wondering is, are the brake lights activated to indicate my abrupt slowing/stopping to drivers behind?

The owner's bible doesn't seem to address this, and it's not easy to see the back of the truck while this is going on.

Anyone have any insight?

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[paneubert]

If it is applying the brakes, it would be illuminating the brake lights. Much like cruise control increasing the speed with an actual movement/depression of the gas pedal. the same occurs for braking. When it slows you down, the brake pedal moves towards the floor. Right?

 

[bgn]

If it is applying the brakes, it would be illuminating the brake lights. Much like cruise control increasing the speed with an actual movement/depression of the gas pedal. the same occurs for braking. When it slows you down, the brake pedal moves towards the floor. Right?

Not visibly. It brakes, but the pedal doesn't move.

 

[paneubert]

Not visibly. It brakes, but the pedal doesn't move.

Hmmm......well I got nothin' then. Haha.

I would assume that it legally would need to illuminate the lights if braking is being applied, automatically or otherwise. But we all know tons of folks use "engine braking" as much as possible. Which would not illuminate any lights......

 

[midcoastme]

Not visibly. It brakes, but the pedal doesn't move.

I've noticed this with the accelerator...the spring keeps the pedal in the normal position...to override and go faster there is a "dead" area while pressing the pedal. The cruise actuator has its own cable, and you have to take up the slack with the pedal.

 

[commadorebob]

I have driven my Escape for two years and have always wondered this. I just assumed it did.

 

[fossil]

We recently had a chance to try the adaptive cruise feature with slowing traffic. Driving at 65 mph we saw brake lights ahead in both lanes indicating some issue ahead. As we got closer to the slowing, almost stopped traffic ahead, the ACC slowed the truck down to about 6 mph as it is supposed to (I had my foot ready to hit the brake if necessary, but the truck did it for me).

What I'm wondering is, are the brake lights activated to indicate my abrupt slowing/stopping to drivers behind?

The owner's bible doesn't seem to address this, and it's not easy to see the back of the truck while this is going on.

Anyone have any insight?

Freely admit to the same brake light thoughts lol.
Couple other revelations, while slowing for traffic in ACC, activating left turn signal accelerates car slightly in anticipation of a lane change, depending on distance available obviously. Right turn signal does nothing to ACC.
When some jerk cuts in front of you while at speed the ACC doesn't freak out and brake if the jerk is moving away (going faster). If the jerk continues across to yet another lane things can get exciting with some brake action.
As experienced in 2020 Escape.

 

[MikeyCNY]

I tested this a few days ago - going through an area at night where it went from 55 MPH to 40 MPH, I adjusted the set speed down, and since I recently installed Lasfit bright LEDs (not a sponsor), I was able to see in the side mirrors that the brake lights DID activate when slowing down to the set speed.

I could NOT verify it also works when coming up on someone and the system has to slow, but if it works for the above I would assume so. (I know, dangerous word)

 

[Maverickman74]

Yall are forgetting you have a truck now. Just toss someone in the bed and try it out while they look at the tail lights. If your state doesnt allow that just live dangerously and do it on on a empty road somewhere.

 

[JimParker256]

Just as easy to have someone follow you in their car, get into some stop-and-go traffic, and observe the brake lights. Don't have my Maverick yet, or I would already know the answer...

 

[NJBob]

What I always wondered if the radar based systems activate a radar detector. Always drive with one and sometimes it signals for no apparent reason.

 

[Naranjita]

ACC definitely illuminates the brake lights. I have followed my vehicle before when my wife was using it and also see it light up the night behind me when it engages the brakes using ACC.

 

[jsus]

Brake lights illuminate when brakes are applied.

Brake lights do not illuminate when brakes are not applied (e.g. coasting).

It would be a bug if the vehicle started braking (especially hard braking) without illuminating the brake lamps. Very much a violation of FMVSS.

 

[Jmav2152]

When you brake using ACC brake lights illuminate.

Source: me when I towed at night I can see the lights against the trailer show. 3rd brake light included.

 

[Dad]

We recently had a chance to try the adaptive cruise feature with slowing traffic. Driving at 65 mph we saw brake lights ahead in both lanes indicating some issue ahead. As we got closer to the slowing, almost stopped traffic ahead, the ACC slowed the truck down to about 6 mph as it is supposed to (I had my foot ready to hit the brake if necessary, but the truck did it for me).

What I'm wondering is, are the brake lights activated to indicate my abrupt slowing/stopping to drivers behind?

The owner's bible doesn't seem to address this, and it's not easy to see the back of the truck while this is going on.

Anyone have any insight?

Good question. My guess is as long as the engine alone is enough to keep your distance, you won't see any brake lights. If it is abrupt needing braking, then sure, the brake lights will come on.

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