Introduction:
Driving a heavy-duty pickup truck weighing over 6,000 pounds on the 105 in Los Angeles without your hands on the steering wheel may seem like a terrible idea, but that’s exactly what was tested with the Chevy Silverado HD towing a 20-foot box trailer. This incredible feat was made possible by GM’s Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system. This system is designed to automatically accelerate, brake, keep its distance from other vehicles, stay centered in its lane, and even change lanes without the driver having to touch the steering wheel. In this article, we will explore the capabilities of Super Cruise and its ability to assist drivers in various scenarios.
Super Cruise is GM’s advanced driver assistance system that allows drivers to operate their vehicles without touching the steering wheel or pedals. The system can accelerate, brake, maintain speed, and change lanes on controlled access roadways. To activate Super Cruise, the driver must set the speed and following distance and maintain eye contact with the road ahead. The system works on mapped roadways by GM and is especially useful in congested city freeways with stop-and-go traffic.
Super Cruise is capable of working with “all trailer-capable vehicles,” including trucks and SUVs equipped for towing. The system can determine if a trailer is connected to the vehicle and estimate the weight of the trailer using engine and brake strain. However, there are some limitations to Super Cruise when towing, such as no automatic lane changes and prevention of activation if the vehicle is towing beyond its weight limit.
Despite initial concerns, using Super Cruise while towing can provide added confidence and safety for drivers. The system acts as a safety net by ensuring that the vehicle stays in its lane and maintains a safe distance from other vehicles. This can be especially beneficial on long highway stretches where drivers may be tempted to engage in distracting activities or lose focus.
The testing of Super Cruise with towing in an unlikely scenario like the 105 in Los Angeles proved successful. The system was able to operate the vehicle and trailer without any issues, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness even in extreme conditions. While drivers may not choose to use Super Cruise in heavy traffic situations, it still provides a valuable backup for emergencies or long highway drives.
In conclusion, GM’s Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system offers significant benefits for drivers, especially when towing heavy loads. The system’s ability to operate the vehicle autonomously while maintaining safety standards is a major advantage for long trips or challenging driving conditions. While there are some limitations to consider, the overall performance and reliability of Super Cruise make it a valuable tool for enhancing driver confidence and safety on the road.