Sharjah: A quick-thinking driver whose wayward vehicle's cruise control got stuck managed to avoid any incidents, thanks to the quick help provided by emergency workers here.
Traffic police saved the life of the Emirati man whose vehicle cruise control failed while he was driving at 120km/h on Maliha Road en route to Sharjah, police said on Tuesday.
Police received a call from a motorist at about 1am on Tuesday, saying his cruise control had failed and he was driving at 120km/h, and the vehicle kept moving at the same speed even after shifting his gear to neutral.
Several cruise control horrors had been reported in the UAE in the past.
Colonel Ahmad Bin Darwish, director of Sharjah’s Central Region, said patrols rushed to the scene and tried to keep other motorists away from the vehicle.
Police contacted the driver by phone and gave him instructions to control the vehicle.
He was told to put his hazard lights on, keep the vehicle in neutral and to hold the steering wheel firmly.
An officer in a police patrol car then drove in front of the vehicle before using his brakes to slow the wayward car to a gradual stop.
Police said motorists should inspect their vehicles frequently, keep a safe speed while driving, fasten seat belts, be alert and contact the police operations emergency room immediately in case of any issues.
