What is the purpose of an adaptive cruise control system (ACC) in motor vehicles?

The adaptive cruise control (ACC) system is designed to enhance driving safety and comfort. It works by automatically adjusting the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead.

1. The first part of your answer correctly identifies that ACC can accelerate the vehicle to a set speed. This is important for maintaining a consistent speed on highways or open roads.

2. The second part confirms that ACC can slow down the vehicle if it detects a slower vehicle in front. This is crucial for avoiding rear-end collisions and ensuring a safe driving distance, which is emphasized in German traffic regulations.

However, the third aspect – maintaining a prescribed safety distance – is also vital as it fully encapsulates the functionality of ACC. It emphasizes that the system does not only react to changes in speed but also ensures that a safe gap is always preserved between vehicles, which is essential for safe driving as per German traffic laws.

Understanding these functions is key to realizing how technology in vehicle systems is used to promote road safety and compliance with traffic regulations.