Is there a way to change the default Cruise Control?

And, last thing before I go to bed, you can trust the system to error on the side of caution. Trust it as a tool to help you.

It has failsafes built in, and if something isn’t working, it won’t let you use it.

Think of this, would Toyota really put themselves in that much a liability pickle by installing these systems on over half the cars they’re making and not have them dialed in for safety? I’m going to go ahead and say, “No.” I’m sure the NHTSA would have shut that shit down in hot second too.

Look at the controversy Tesla ran into in the beginning stages of their autonomous driving mode. They took a lot of scrutiny for the accidents that happened with the early model S cars (regardless if it was driver or systems error).

 

That's where I pull back. If the safety systems don't do what I want them to do when I want them to do it I don't want them to be turned on. Anything that interferes with my inputs is offensive to me and my driving style. My driving style is anything but "defensive". That said, your above example illustrates one of the few times I would consider using it: when my sight is obscured by fog. In snow and rain it's still useless to me since it will disable itself.

Also, the NHTSA is so far behind the times when it comes to regulating new tech that it isn't even funny. Hell, they still think bright-ass DRL's without automatic headlights and red turn signals are a good thing.