Police rescue driver after cruise control malfunction on key Dubai road

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Police traffic patrols, in coordination with the Command and Control Centre, swiftly rescued a driver whose vehicle's cruise control had unexpectedly malfunctioned on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road on Saturday.

The motorist could not control the situation and called the emergency helpline number (999) for urgent assistance.

Thanks to the strong security presence across Dubai, the traffic patrols responded swiftly to the driver's call for help. The traffic patrol reached the driver's vehicle in just 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 traffic accident or the driver from losing complete control of the car.

Elaborating on the incident, Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Acting Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs, stated 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, whose driver was unable to control it due to a sudden cruise control malfunction.

Maj. Gen. Al Mazrouei further indicated, "The traffic patrols immediately dispatched to Sheikh Mohammed Bin 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."

Maj. Gen. Al Mazrouei 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, turn on the hazard lights and headlights, and promptly contact the emergency number (999) at the Command and Control Centre to report the situation.

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.

If that fails, they should gradually release the handbrake while maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel. If attempts fail, the driver should alternate shifting the transmission between neutral (N) and drive (D) to regain control.

In case of these methods work before the traffic patrol arrives, the driver should safely manoeuvre the vehicle off the road.