Dubai Police rescue driver whose pickup truck’s cruise control malfunctioned at high speed

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Police traffic patrols, working in coordination with the Command and Control Center, were able to rescue a driver whose vehicle's cruise control had unexpectedly malfunctioned.

The driver had called the emergency number (999), requesting urgent assistance as he could not control the situation.

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 a matter of minutes and, with the assistance of another patrol that had gotten ahead of it, worked to gradually bring it to a stop.

This swift action prevented a potential a traffic accident or the driver from losing complete control of the car.

Elaborating on the incident, Brigadier Juma Salem Bin Suwaidan, Deputy Director of the General Department of Traffic, stated that the traffic patrols received a report from the Command and Control Center about a vehicle on Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards Abu Dhabi, whose driver was unable to control it due to a sudden cruise control malfunction.

Brig. Jumaa Bin Suwaidan further indicated, "The traffic patrols immediately dispatched to Sheikh Zayed Road and spotted the vehicle past the Expo Bridge. Given the vehicle's immense danger on the high-speed road, the patrols quickly secured the area around it and activated warning signs for other motorists. They then worked to reassure the visibly distressed driver. One of the patrols then positioned in front of the vehicle and began gradually bringing it to a stop while the other patrols secured the lane behind it."

Brig. Jumaa bin Suwaidan also emphasised the importance of drivers remaining calm and avoiding panic if they encounter a cruise control malfunction. He urged them to ensure their seatbelt is fastened, hazard lights and headlights turned on, and emergency number (999) at the Command and Control Center promptly contacted to report the situation.

Brig. Jumaa Bin Suwaidan 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 fail, 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.