Dubai Police raced to the rescue after a motorist's cruise control failed on one of the emirate's busiest roads.
The woman raised the alarm on Emirates Road as she travelled in the direction of Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Monday. Patrols were sent to assist and reassure her with instructions on how to bring her car to a safe stop.
“She couldn’t control the car despite her attempts to brake,” said Brig Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, director of traffic at Dubai Police. “Police patrols were driving around the vehicle in a professional way while contacting the driver to give her safety instructions.
“They made a secure corridor for the driver by moving other vehicles from the road to avoid accidents.”
Brig bin Suwaidan urged drivers who find themselves in such circumstances to remain calm, ensure their seat belt is fastened, use their hazard warning lights and to contact 999.
He reminded motorists that regular maintenance checks on their vehicles are needed to ensure that all features are in full working order.
“It is important to conduct regular checks for the vehicle and make sure the brake and cruise control system is working properly," he said. "Making the right choice can prevent the driver and road users from great danger.”
What to do when cruise control fails?
- Press the brake pedal swiftly first and repeatedly, this usually disengages cruise control
- Shift transmission to neutral
- Turn the engine off and restart immediately
- Use the handbrake while maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel
- Shift between neutral and drive to regain control
- If any of these methods work, the driver should safely manoeuvre the vehicle off the road and wait for police patrols
