If your accelerator sticks while driving, what should you do?

When faced with a situation where the accelerator sticks while driving, the most effective action is to shift to neutral and apply steady pressure to the brake. This method helps in regaining control of the vehicle while preventing it from accelerating uncontrollably. When the vehicle is in neutral, the engine is disconnected from the wheels, thus allowing you to slow down safely without further increasing your speed.

Turning off the engine can be a risky maneuver while the vehicle is still in motion, as it can lead to a loss of power steering and braking assist, making it difficult to maintain control. Quickly pumping the accelerator might seem like a solution, but it could exacerbate the problem by causing sudden and erratic acceleration. Pulling over immediately and stopping might be ideal, but doing so without prior control measures could result in hazardous situations such as losing traction or running into obstacles. Therefore, shifting to neutral while braking is the most prudent and safe first step to address a stuck accelerator.