What technology does Adaptive Cruise Control utilize to maintain distance from other vehicles?

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is designed to automatically adjust a vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. This technology primarily uses radar sensors to detect the distance and speed of other vehicles on the road. The radar sensors send out radio waves that bounce back when they hit an object, allowing the vehicle to determine its position relative to others nearby.

By utilizing radar, ACC can continuously monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle in front and make real-time adjustments to the car's speed—speeding up or slowing down as necessary. This ensures not only convenience for the driver but also enhances safety by helping to prevent collisions caused by inappropriate following distances.

While other technologies such as GPS can provide location data, they do not provide the necessary real-time distance measurements required for ACC to function effectively. Similarly, video cameras and infrared sensors can assist with various aspects of driving and safety, but radar remains the primary technology relied upon to maintain proper spacing and adapt speed accordingly.