Dubai: Dubai Police rescued a driver whose vehicle’s cruise control had malfunctioned while driving on a highway near Expo City, Dubai.
Swift action by Dubai Police saved a potential fatal traffic accident on a major highway in Dubai.
According to a press release on Saturday, the driver had called the emergency number (999) requesting urgent assistance as he was unable to stop the vehicle due to cruise malfunctioning.
Thanks to the strong security presence across Dubai, the traffic patrols responded swiftly to the driver’s call for help. They reached the driver’s vehicle in just a matter of minutes. One of the police patrol had gotten ahead of the vehicle and gradually reduced its speed to successfully stop the vehicle.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Acting Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs, said that the traffic patrols received a report from the Command and Control Centre about a vehicle on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road heading towards Abu Dhabi. The vehicle’s driver was unable to control it due to a sudden cruise control malfunction.
How the driver rescued
“The traffic patrols immediately were dispatched to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and spotted the vehicle past the Expo Bridge. The patrols quickly secure the area to avoid any accidents and activated warning signs for other motorists on the road.
They then worked to reassure the visibly distressed driver. One of the patrols then was positioned in front of the vehicle and began gradually bringing it to a stop while the other patrols secured the lane behind it.”
Keep calm
Maj. General Al Mazrouei also emphasised the importance of drivers remaining calm and avoiding panic if they encounter any emergencies such as cruise control malfunction. He urged them to ensure their seatbelt is fastened, turn on the hazard lights and headlights, and contact the emergency number (999) at the Command and Control Centre to report the situation.
How to stop
He further advised motorists to shift the transmission to neutral (N), turn off the engine, and restart it immediately. If that does not resolve the issue, the driver should apply firm, constant pressure on the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Failing that, they should gradually release the handbrake while maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel.
If all previous attempts failed, the driver should alternate shifting the transmission between neutral (N) and drive (D) to regain control. If any of these methods work before the traffic patrol arrives, the driver should safely manoeuvre the vehicle off the road.
