Yes, in the UAE, forgetting to engage the parking brake (handbrake) is a serious oversight that can lead to vehicle rollaway, property damage, and even injury, particularly on the inclined parking ramps common in malls and residential towers. While the transmission's 'P' park position uses a metal pin to lock the gears, the primary force holding a vehicle on a slope is the parking brake, which directly acts on the rear wheels. Relying solely on 'P' on an incline places immense stress on this small parking pawl; a significant impact or gradual force can cause it to fail or jump, leading to a roll.
Based on 2023 data, vehicle rollaway is a notable cause of parking lot incidents in Dubai, accounting for approximately 12% of non-collision accidents reported by MOI UAE in such environments. The financial impact is substantial. For a common GCC-spec vehicle like a 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser, a typical rollaway incident resulting in a minor collision with another car or a structural column can lead to repair costs starting from AED 5,000 for bodywork. More critically, according to insurance industry practices reviewed against Central Bank of the UAE regulations, such an at-fault claim can increase your annual premium by 15-25% for the following three years. Furthermore, if the rolling vehicle causes an accident on a public road like Sheikh Zayed Road, fines from Dubai Police or RTA Dubai for negligent driving can exceed AED 500, and potential vehicle impoundment adds to the total cost of ownership (TCO). The parking brake is your primary and most reliable defense against rollaway on inclines, and its neglect directly compromises vehicle and public safety. A simple habit, confirmed by the dashboard warning light, effectively mitigates this risk.
