Swift response averts major accident after woman’s car becomes uncontrollable on busy highway
Dubai: A woman driving towards Abu Dhabi faced a terrifying ordeal when her car’s cruise control malfunctioned, leaving the vehicle unresponsive to both braking and acceleration. Thanks to a rapid and coordinated response by Dubai Police, the driver was rescued unharmed and a potential disaster on the Emirates Road was averted, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
The emergency occurred when the driver reported that her vehicle continued to move uncontrollably despite multiple attempts to slow down. Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said the car’s cruise control failure rendered both the accelerator and brakes useless, creating a high-risk situation.
Dubai Police’s operations room immediately dispatched patrol units, who quickly located the car. In a tactical maneuver, police formed a safety corridor around the moving vehicle, clearing surrounding traffic and preventing any collisions.
Dubai Police patrols formed a protective corridor and guided the woman to safety after her car’s cruise control jammed at high speed
Throughout the ordeal, officers maintained constant phone communication with the driver, providing real-time instructions to help her regain control. Following their guidance, the motorist was able to safely bring the vehicle to a stop on the roadside.
Brigadier bin Suwaidan praised the seamless coordination between the operations room and field patrols, crediting their professionalism and quick thinking for preventing what could have been a serious accident.
Authorities urge calm and preparedness in vehicle emergencies
Dubai Police issued key safety guidelines for motorists who may experience similar situations:
- Stay calm and avoid panic.
- Keep seatbelts fastened and switch on hazard lights.
- Call 999 immediately for assistance.
- Shift the transmission to neutral (N) to disconnect engine power.
- Apply steady brake pressure; if unresponsive, use the handbrake gradually.
- Repeatedly switch between ‘D’ (Drive) and ‘N’ (Neutral) if cruise control remains engaged.
Police stress importance of regular vehicle maintenance
Brigadier bin Suwaidan emphasised that routine maintenance — especially of brake and cruise control systems — is essential to prevent such life-threatening incidents. He reminded drivers that alertness and calm action during emergencies can make the difference between safety and tragedy.
