Cruise control is a feature in modern automobiles that maintains a steady speed without driver input. By eliminating the constant adjustments made by a human driver, cruise control can potentially improve fuel efficiency. For instance, on a long highway drive, cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration that can waste fuel.
The first cruise control system was patented in 1958 by RCA. Since then, the technology has been refined and widely adopted, leading to significant advancements in fuel efficiency and driver comfort.