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If the vehicle now approaches a car travelling more slowly in the same lane, ACC will recognize the diminishing distance and reduce the speed through intervention in the motor management and by braking with a maximum of 0.2 to 0.3 g until the preselected distance is reached. If the lane is clear again, ACC will accelerate to the previously selected desired tempo. If the deceleration performed by ACC is not sufficient because another car suddenly cuts out in front, ACC will request the driver through acoustic signals to additionally apply the brakes manually. If the speed drops below 30 km/h because of traffic ACC will automatically turn off and also announce this with an acoustic signal. These assistance functions allow the driver to remain in complete control at all times. He can override the system at any time by accelerating, or turn off the system with a keystroke or by simply applying the brakes. The responsible control over the vehicle always remains with the driver. But ACC provides lasting relief from routine tasks and thus will help the driver to focus his/her attention. In addition the ACC system benefits from a fundamental safety effect. Through the distance sensor, the system recognizes changing distances to the vehicle driving in front sooner than the driver, and automatically decelerates when ACC is activated in order to regain the preselected distance. If the driver then also recognizes the dangerous situation and applies the brakes after a certain reaction time, the car at that moment is already driving at a considerably slower speed due to ACC. In addition, the brake system is already in a preconditioned state. This effect can help to reduce the stopping distance at 100 km/h by up to five meters.
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