The Saving Power of Cadillac Super Cruise™ | Mission, TX
Cadillac has been a leader in self-driving (autonomous) driving technology since the introduction of its Super Cruise™ technology in 2017. In fact, Super Cruise™ was the first of its kind to offer a driver attention system with a precise LiDAR map.
But many critics have falsely claimed that such technology tempts drivers not to pay attention and allow the vehicle to take total control. However, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently conducted a study that confirmed quite the opposite — that the technology encourages drivers to stay alert even when using Super Cruise™ and allows for safer, more efficient driving with the vehicle taking on some of the burden.
About the Study
To arrive at this conclusion, MIT equipped 14 drivers with a Cadillac model running Super Cruise™ technology. For a month, these drivers were encouraged to drive as they normally would, utilizing the technology when it made sense. During this month, MIT observed the 14 participants to see when and why they might disengage and what they would do when the Super Cruise™ technology instructed them to retake control. MIT was also able to observe all the times that drivers proactively took control, even when not prompted, meaning they were able to recognize specific maneuvers, like lane changing, that they should be in charge of instead of the vehicle.
These results were shocking to those conducting the study. In fact, Pnina Gershon, who was the lead author of the study, told Automotive News, “In the back of my mind, I thought that drivers would probably put the automation on when the system was available and then disengage it when they got off the highway. That was my expectation. But it’s surprising there’s a high degree of collaboration between the driver and the system, even though it’s hands-free driving.”
Cadillac Cars and SUVs That Offer Super Cruise™ Technology
At Bert Ogden Cadillac in Mission, Texas, we offer the full range of new Cadillac models, including those that can be equipped with Super Cruise™ technology. Currently, you can find Super Cruise™ technology on the following new and pre-owned vehicles:
Here soon, you will be able to get the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ with Super Cruise™ technology.
Reportedly, the automaker plans to roll out Super Cruise™ to 22 of its models around the world, including to full-size pickup trucks. Cadillac has a more advanced version in the works as well, cleverly called Ultra Cruise™.
How to Use Super Cruise™
So how does this groundbreaking semi-autonomous technology actually work? Under proper conditions, it combines the strengths of multiple driver-assist safety technologies including Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert (must be set to Alert and Brake), Cadillac Connected Services, LiDAR precision map data, real-time cameras and sensors, and Lane Change on Demand. This helps to ensure the Super Cruise™-equipped Cadillac model moves at the correct speed, stays in its lane, and brakes as necessary, all without human instruction.
To use Super Cruise™, you will need to be on an approved roadway, typically a highway. You can start by pressing the Adaptive Cruise Control button, which will turn white. If you have met all the right conditions (visible lane markings, on an approved roadway, GPS signal available, etc.), the Super Cruise™ button will illuminate in white.
Press the button, and Super Cruise™ will engage. You can disengage the system simply by pressing the button again or engaging the brake pedal. Newer Cadillac models may also offer Lane Change on Demand.
Why Super Cruise™
Cadillac drivers have already proven the technology’s success, conquering more than 7 million miles of roadways. Super Cruise™-equipped vehicles also come with three years of complimentary connectivity.
Contact Bert Ogden Cadillac in Mission, Texas, to learn more about Super Cruise™ technology.