Can someone explain to me how this camera works? What exactly is it watching in conjunction with the radar?
The camera is not used for dynamic cruise control. That's strictly controlled by the radar, which is behind the Toyota emblem on the front of your car. The camera is used by the lane departure warning system (it looks for the white/yellow lane markings) and for pedestrian detection by the pre-collision system.
I'm four days in the new Prius. Trying out all the new features. I used cruise control last night on a crowded highway with lights. I set it at 50MPH. It reduced my speed and kept a distance when someone got in front of me going slower. The real test was when a light went red, and the cars in front of me slowed to a stop. I felt like the brakes were applied and the car slowed down quickly. It got down to 18 MPH and the distance to the car in front of me was reduced. My brother was screaming hit the brakes, so it did. Anyone know if the car would have come to a stop?
While we are on the topic, does any one know if the brake lights pop on in the rear for drivers behind you when the Prius is on radar cruise control and slows down to the speed of the driver in front of you? I would hope not as I would not want to come off "brake happy" on the highway, but if I reduce significant speed quickly, it would make sense to show in that instance. Anyone know?
If it triggers in all instances, even when slowing 1-2 mph to align, I am considering not using it. Braking on the highway (when not stop and go rush traffic already) is dangerous imo and causes ripple effect and traffic jams.
I would say that the brake lights should be on if the slowing requires the brakes. Regeneration slowing to maintain distance shouldn't; I wouldn't expect the brake lights to be on if DRCC were turned off in this situation.
It helps track which car is in which lane. Ever notice while driving in the center lane of a 6 lane highway, and notice that the car knows which car to match speed with, even with bends in the road.
