(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The driver 22 could not decelerate or stop his 4WD after his cruise control system developed a technical glitch.
Umm Al Quwain — The Umm Al Quwain Police rescued an Emirati family whose car’s cruise control system failed at a speed of 136kmph on Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road late on Sunday. The police completed the rescue mission in a record 15 minutes.
The driver 22 who was heading from UAQ to Ras Al Khaimah along with his mother and siblings could not decelerate or stop his 4WD after his cruise control system developed a technical glitch.
He discovered the malfunction under Sura Bridge and immediately called the police at 999 at 11.15pm.
Lt-Col Saeed Obaid bin Aran Director of Traffic and Patrols Department of the UAQ Police Directorate General said they alerted three highway traffic patrols about the vehicle to clear the road and remove obstacles. “We managed to stop the car in question about six kilometres away at Exit No 103.”
Within a few minutes of receiving the call three rescue teams reached the car.
Lt-Col bin Aran said the driver had earlier tried to slow down the vehicle by engaging the handbrake but the car started to veer sideways and he began flashing his headlights to warn other motorists on the road. “The rescue traffic patrols played escort to the car and managed to slow it down after two attempts.”
The front of the vehicle was damaged in the mission the officer said.
Lt-Col bin Aran said the problems arising as a result of cruise control glitches are based on the situation and surroundings. “The most important thing for us is to ensure the driver’s and road users’ safety.”
Urging regular check-ups he said imported vehicles may have technical glitches and must be thoroughly examined at accredited motor agencies. “Obtaining a certificate that proves the validity of the car for running on the road is necessary for all road users’ safety.”
Late in August this year the UAQ Police in collaboration with the RAK Police rescued a young Emirati motorist whose car’s cruise control system got stuck at 120kmph on the same highway.
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