DRIVERS are beginning to realise a “hidden” button meant to help you save thousands of pounds on petrol has major downsides.
Experts are warning about the hazards ramped up by your car’s cruise control option, even if it can bring down fuel bills.
Personal injury lawyers have issued alerts about the risks posed to you and others if becoming too dependent on that “magic” button.
US firm Bottaro Law outlined the drawbacks in a post online, weighing out not only the pros but also cons of cruise control.
Their expert Laura Bottaro recognised that the option can “make a long highway trip more enjoyable”.
It allows drivers to set their car at a default speed, often around 60mph, without having to sit on the accelerator pedal.
Yet she warned about potential dangers, including how such an approach can reduce your reaction time.
Cruise control can also “impair your ability to safely change lanes”.
And she warned relying on the feature can up the risk of “drowsy driving” and “distracted driving events” as motorists get complacent.
She wrote: “Drivers have reported that they are more likely to get distracted and zone out while using cruise control since they do not have to focus on their speed.”
Other side effects include hitting the brakes too late which can make any collisions more serious – as well as “subsequent injuries”.
She also urged people to avoid switching on cruise control whenever taking on winding roads, heavy traffic or approaching bridges.
They should also avoid using it in hazardous weather such as “downpours, hailstorms or snowstorms”.
Laura added: “Furthermore, you should never use cruise control later at night or when you are tired.”
The RAC has warned against using cruise control on non-flat roads, explaining how it can actually be worse for fuel consumption.
A recent poll revealed revealed Brits’ most sought-after car features.
Other “magic” buttons in vehicles have been proving popular with people – such as one helping out on family trips.
Car-makers including Dodge, Mercedes and Volkswagen have also been praised for including similar bumper seats in their models.
Experts also released a guide to other “hidden” features including buttons which could help drivers save hundreds of pounds.
More value-for-money hacks include cutting insurance costs, cashing in on number plates and giving second-hand motors a makeover.
