Dubai Police are advising drivers to stay composed and avoid panic if their vehicle's cruise control system fails. This guidance follows an incident where they assisted a driver whose car's cruise control malfunctioned while traveling on Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi. Nearly all modern vehicles are now fitted with cruise control, which maintains a constant speed, allowing drivers to relax their foot from the pedal. However, there have been past instances where this electronic system has malfunctioned, prompting emergency interventions.
In a safety advisory, Dubai Police emphasized the importance of always wearing seatbelts. They recommend that if the electronic system malfunctions, drivers should activate their hazard lights and promptly call the emergency number 999, detailing the critical situation. Dubai Police also provided a step-by-step guide for drivers facing such malfunctions:
1. Shift the gear to N (neutral), turn off the engine, and restart it immediately. 2. For newer models, press and hold the start button until the engine shuts off. 3. If unsuccessful, shift to N (neutral) and apply firm and steady brake pressure until the car stops. 4. If the previous method fails, gently engage the handbrake while firmly steering. 5. If all else fails, repeatedly switch the gear between N and D (drive). 6. If any of these methods work before help arrives, drivers should pull off the road, ensure their safety, and await assistance.
Cruise control is a valuable feature in cars that helps maintain a constant speed, reducing foot fatigue and stress during long drives. It also enhances fuel efficiency by allowing the vehicle to maintain a steady speed, consuming less fuel compared to frequent accelerations. Leading-edge cruise control systems, like adaptive cruise control, not only maintain a set speed but also adjust the vehicle's pace to keep a safe distance from the car in front, using forward-mounted sensors.
