Cruise Control: Ease or Risk on UAE Roads?

When Cruise Control Might Become Dangerous: Preventing Accidents on UAE Roads

Cruise control has long been an important convenience and safety feature in driving, especially on long, straight highways like those across the UAE. On the busy highways between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, tens of thousands of vehicles travel daily, with many drivers relying on cruise control to reduce fatigue and maintain optimal fuel usage. However, as technology becomes increasingly complex, so does the likelihood that this convenience might become a hazard in certain situations.

What happens if cruise control fails?

While cruise control failure is a rare occurrence, cases handled by UAE police indicate that it cannot be completely ruled out. Recently, Dubai police rescued a driver whose vehicle became unresponsive to both braking and acceleration due to cruise control on the Emirates Road heading towards Abu Dhabi. The quick response of patrol officers and the driver's composure helped avoid a serious accident.

According to experts, there can be various technical reasons behind cruise control failures. It could be a simple fuse issue, a broken speed sensor, or damaged wiring. These problems might be more frequent in older cars, especially if maintenance has not been regular. However, modern vehicles filled with sensors are not free from malfunctions either. Dubai's summer heat can significantly affect electrical systems' performance.

Adaptive cruise control: Technology or risk?

Newer cars are equipped with adaptive cruise control, which is based on distance maintenance and environmental sensors. This system monitors the vehicles ahead and can independently accelerate or decelerate. While this can be a great help in city traffic or on long roads, some experts warn that the complexity of the system increases the chances of failure. The more sensors and control units operate together, the higher the likelihood something might go astray.

An auto mechanic, for instance, reported several times that extreme heat caused sensors to give faulty signals or completely shut down. In such cases, cruise control might function improperly or not respond as usual, which can be particularly dangerous at high speeds.

How to respond if cruise control fails?

If your vehicle's cruise control does not disengage, and the brakes do not respond, one of the most important actions is to remain calm. Panic can easily lead to misguided decisions, especially on highways where traffic is fast-paced and dense. It is vital for the driver to keep both hands on the wheel and attempt to slowly merge into the outer, slower lanes.

One of the fastest and most effective solutions is to shift the gear to neutral (N). This disconnects the engine from the drive, allowing the car to begin slowing down. However, the driver must be familiar with the vehicle operation and know how to safely use the transmission while the car is in motion.

Additionally, trying to turn the ignition off and restart the vehicle can be considered if the particular car allows it while moving. However, this solution is not possible or recommended for all types.

Dubai police: What to do in emergencies?

Dubai police advises drivers to call the free 999 emergency number for any irregular operation or dangerous driving situation. The authority's patrol cars can rapidly arrive at the scene as recent cases have shown.

Moreover, it is advisable to immediately turn on the hazard lights and, if possible, pull over to the side of the road. Fastening the seat belt and keeping calm can be crucial in such situations.

The role of regular maintenance

Prevention is always better than dealing with damages afterward. Experts say that many cruise control-related faults could be avoided with regular maintenance. Electrical failures often occur unnoticed due to poor connections, heated fuses, rusting, or voltage fluctuations.

Therefore, every car owner should have a thorough check-up at least every six months, especially if preparing for long trips. A small error on the highway can have serious consequences, so prevention isn't just cost-effective but could also be life-saving.

Tips for using cruise control safely

Experienced drivers and mechanics offer the following suggestions:

Before embarking on a longer journey, test the cruise control at a low speed.

Observe that it properly disengages when the brake pedal is pressed.

Check if the brake lights function – a simple brake light failure can prevent the cruise control from disengaging.

Become familiar with your vehicle's adaptive systems – each type operates differently.

Conclusion

The cruise control is undoubtedly a useful tool on the long and hot roads of the UAE, especially while traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, it is important to know how it operates, what the potential faults are, and how to react if things don't go as planned. Even though these systems are generally reliable, like any technology, they are not perfect. The key is knowing what to do when the unexpected occurs – and knowing that you can always rely on Dubai police for quick assistance.

(Source of the article based on automotive expert insights.)