It is a system that is being included in more and more vehicles and that reduces driver fatigue
And the fact is that driving for many hours is clearly related to traffic accidents, “since over time your ability to drive safely gradually decreases, reaching very dangerous limits,” they argue from this organization.
Along the same lines, the DGT insists that the most significant factor involved in the onset of fatigue is driving without rest for too long. “Of course, there are many other factors that influence this process, such as the difficulty of driving, the type of road or the weather conditions. However, these other factors will only determine when you will start to experience the symptoms of fatigue, as well as the intensity they reach,” they add.
For some years now, vehicles have had a feature that helps mitigate fatigue while driving, contributing to a more comfortable and safer driving experience, avoiding distractions and helping to prevent accidents caused by fatigue.
Which car button is unused and should be used for safety and comfort?
“The ‘Auto Hold’ button is an intelligent system designed to keep the vehicle stationary in its place, without the driver having to keep the brake pedal pressed down continuously. Imagine being stopped at a traffic light or in heavy traffic: instead of keeping your foot on the brake pedal, you can activate ‘Auto Hold’ and this system will automatically keep the brakes on until you press the accelerator again to get going”. This is how the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) explains what ‘Auto Hold’ is, a button in the car that very few people take advantage of.
A function that, according to the experts at this organization, “can be incredibly useful in a context of congested urban traffic, where waiting times are frequent. In addition, by eliminating the need to constantly keep your foot on the brake, Auto Hold reduces driver fatigue and can also improve safety by preventing accidental vehicle rollaway if the brake is released on steep slopes.”
Advice when using ‘Auto Hold’
As explained by RACE, it is useful to bear in mind a number of aspects when using the ‘Auto Hold’ function. “It can only be activated if the driver is wearing a seat belt. Depending on the make, if it is left on for more than 10 minutes (or if the seat belt is unfastened), the system will cancel itself. If the ‘Auto Hold’ is activated when parking, you can always deactivate it (or unfasten the seat belt). It is not a function designed for starting on slopes, although that may be one of its functionalities,” they explain.
Despite its many benefits, there are some situations in which, they explain, ‘Auto Hold’ is not suitable. “For example, if you are driving on uneven terrain or off-road, it is better to maintain manual control over the brakes to adapt to changing terrain conditions,” they argue from RACE.
In addition, they advise that, ”if you haven’t used it yet, take some time to get used to how it works in a safe environment, and practice activating and deactivating this function to familiarize yourself with its response.”
