Cruise Control System is one of those modern-day driver-assistance technologies that have helped make commuting more comfortable and stress-free. This system manages the throttle/accelerator linkage and helps set a constant speed without needing the input of the driver. It becomes an invaluable tool to have while driving on highways where the monotonous nature of drive can have a toll on any driver.
While the Cruise Control System has great utility as a vital driver-assistance system, it is prone to a sudden failure if not maintained properly. In recent times, the number of incidents involving failure of the Cruise Control System has increased significantly in the UAE. In most of these incidents, drivers lost control of their vehicles, however, they were able to safely avoid a fatal road accident, thanks to the emergency response of Police and other rescue authorities. It is important to deal with a sudden Cruise Control failure carefully to avoid a dangerous road accident and Abu Dhabi Police has now defined a set of guidelines for motorists to follow in such an emergency situation.
Also read: Adaptive Cruise Control System for Cars – Everything You Need to Know about
Recent Incidents of Cruise Control Failure on the UAE Roads
In July 2018, the Umm Al Quwain Police successfully rescued an Emirati woman who lost control of her vehicle at a high speed because of the failure of Cruise Control System. The incident occurred on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and the UAQ Police exhibited incredible vigilance and professionalism by completing the rescue mission in a record 15 minutes. The rescue teams and Police patrols were dispatched after the Emirati woman called the Police at 999. No serious injuries were sustained by the driver, however, the front of the vehicle was damaged in the rescue mission.
In another similar incident, Abu Dhabi Police rescued a driver whose SUV experienced a sudden Cruise Control failure while he was driving at 130 Km/h on a major highway. The Cruise Control System jammed all of a sudden and had it not been for the attentiveness of the driver to call the Police, it could have resulted in a fatal accident. As many as 15 patrol cars and 2 ambulances were dispatched for help and thanks to the vigilance and active response of Police, another fatal road accident was safely avoided.
#شرطة_أبوظبي تنقذ شخصاً تعطل مثبت السرعة في مركبته pic.twitter.com/9Fy4krGlrE
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) September 3, 2018
Also read: How to Use the Cruise Control System Safely on the UAE Highways?
Safety Tips to Deal with a Sudden Cruise Control Failure
In the wake of increasing Cruise Control failure incidents, Abu Dhabi Police has issued guidelines for motorists that they can follow in the event of a sudden failure of their vehicle’s Cruise Control System. Motorists need to make sure that they remain calm and follow these tips if they ever face such a situation.
- Call Abu Dhabi Police at 999 for immediate help
- Put the gear on (N) and switch off the engine of the vehicle
- If switching the engine off doesn’t make any difference, push the brakes forcefully and keep pushing till the vehicle eventually comes to a stop.
- If none of these two methods work, pull the handbrake up while holding the steering wheel firmly.
- Try switching between (N) and (D) gears repeatedly if nothing else works.
- If any of the above-mentioned methods work and the vehicle stops, motorists should turn the hazard lights of their vehicle on and wait for the emergency services to reach the site.
Initiatives Taken by Authorities to Reduce Speeding-Related Accidents
While Abu Dhabi Police is taking necessary measures to eliminate the risk of dangerous road accidents caused by sudden Cruise Control failures, the Dubai Police has proposed a plan to unify speed limits and margins across the country. Dubai Police has also revealed a plan to install speed control devices in vehicles driven by young people who have recently received their driving license. This initiative will help in evaluating the driving behavior of motorists and make young drivers more responsible for their actions. Dubai Police aims at reducing the number of road deaths caused by over-speeding with these initiatives in the future.
Be Safe Motorists!
The maintenance of Cruise Control System matters a great deal in avoiding a sudden failure of the system that can prove to have dangerous consequences. Motorists should also remain attentive and calm if they ever find themselves in such a situation. By following all the aforementioned tips and by adopting a defensive yet proactive driving approach, dangerous accidents on the UAE roads can be safely avoided.
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