If your accelerator (gas pedal) gets stuck while you are driving, what should you do?

A STUCK ACCELERATOR (stuck throttle) is a rare but possible emergency that requires calm, sequential action. CORRECT RESPONSE: (1) SHIFT TO NEUTRAL: This disengages the engine from the drivetrain — engine revs but the wheels are no longer being powered; the vehicle can now coast to a stop or be braked; this is the most important step; (2) BRAKE FIRMLY: Apply the brakes with steady, firm pressure — the vehicle will stop even with the engine at high RPM if it's in neutral; (3) LOOK AHEAD AND STEER: Guide the vehicle toward a safe area to stop — shoulder, parking lot, open area; (4) HAZARD LIGHTS ON: Signal to other drivers that something is wrong; (5) ONCE STOPPED: Turn off the ignition — with the vehicle stopped, turning the key off is safe and necessary; (6) CALL FOR HELP: Do not attempt to drive again until the throttle linkage is inspected and repaired. CRITICAL WARNING — DO NOT TURN KEY TO LOCK WHILE MOVING: Turning the ignition key fully to the LOCK or OFF position while moving may lock the STEERING WHEEL — making it impossible to steer; this is potentially more dangerous than the stuck throttle itself. Modern push-button starts may have a different procedure — brief press stops engine, long press (3 seconds) locks; check your owner's manual. CARS WITH PUSH-BUTTON START: Three quick presses or a single long press will cut the engine — check the specific model.