If the gas pedal sticks, what is the correct immediate action?

• A. Shift to neutral.
• B. Turn off the engine and coast.
• C. Keep pressing the gas and brake alternately.
• D. Turn on hazards.

Answer: (A)

When the gas pedal sticks, the car may keep accelerating even if you aren’t pressing the pedal, so your first goal is to quickly reduce engine power to the wheels and regain control. Shifting into neutral does this by disconnecting the engine from the drivetrain, so the car won’t continue to surge and you can rely on braking and steering to slow down and steer to a safe place. Turning off the engine right away isn’t ideal because it can remove power steering and power brakes, making it much harder to control the vehicle. Holding or alternating between the gas and brake doesn’t stop the throttle issue and is unsafe. Turning on hazards can warn others, but it doesn’t address the immediate throttle problem; use them once you’re safely slowed or stopped. After you reach a safe stop, you can turn off the engine if desired and park.