Dubai Police Rescue Driver Whose Vehicle Speed Limiter Malfunctioned on Emirates Road
Dubai police traffic patrols rescued a driver whose car's cruise control malfunctioned while traveling on Emirates Road toward Abu Dhabi. The quick response within minutes of receiving the emergency call prevented what could have been a serious accident for both the driver and other road users.
Colonel Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Director General of Traffic at Dubai Police, explained that the operations room received a report about a driver who couldn't control her vehicle's speed. The cruise control had failed and the car wouldn't respond to the brake pedal.
Traffic patrols moved immediately to the location. They found the vehicle and escorted it with careful coordination while maintaining direct communication with the driver. The teams guided her through the proper procedures to follow in such situations to keep everyone safe.
The patrols created a safety corridor around the vehicle, clearing other cars from its path to avoid any potential collision. Thanks to the coordinated response and calm handling, the driver managed to stop her car safely on the roadside.
Bin Suwaidan emphasized that the quick response and immediate coordination between the operations room and field patrols played a crucial role in controlling the situation. He praised the traffic teams' efficiency and professionalism in handling such emergencies.
What to do if your cruise control fails
Bin Suwaidan stressed the importance of staying completely calm when facing cruise control problems. Drivers should fasten their seatbelt, turn on hazard lights and headlights, and immediately call the emergency number "999" to explain the situation clearly.
Here's what experts recommend: Try to reduce speed by applying steady, gradual pressure on the brakes, or shift the transmission to neutral. If these don't work, gradually apply the handbrake while gripping the steering wheel firmly. If the problem continues, try shifting between neutral and drive several times to reduce speed.
If any of these steps work before patrols arrive, drivers should stop the vehicle safely off the road and wait for authorities.
The traffic director called on drivers to conduct regular vehicle inspections and ensure brake systems, cruise control, and other vital systems are working properly. Regular maintenance and preventive awareness help reduce the chances of sudden breakdowns on roads.
Bin Suwaidan noted that driver safety begins with awareness and prior knowledge of how to act in such situations. Making the right decision at the right moment can save drivers and those around them from major risks.
Sara Khaled