What should you do if your gas pedal sticks while driving?

When faced with a stuck gas pedal while driving, the safest and most effective response is to shift the vehicle into neutral and safely steer off the road. This maneuver disengages the engine’s power from the wheels, allowing you to regain control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop without the acceleration caused by the stuck pedal.

Maintaining control of the steering is crucial for maneuvering the vehicle safely to the side of the road, where you can then bring the vehicle to a complete stop and assess the situation. This approach minimizes the risk of losing control or causing a collision due to unintended acceleration.

Attempting to fix the gas pedal issue while driving can be extremely dangerous, as it diverts your attention from the road and may lead to losing control, especially if you are still accelerating. Braking hard is not advisable as a primary response because, with a stuck gas pedal, it may not stop the vehicle effectively and could result in skidding or losing control. Ignoring the problem, even if your speed seems manageable, is risky since a stuck gas pedal can lead to rapidly increasing speeds and diminish your ability to react appropriately to traffic conditions. Thus, shifting to neutral and steering off the road is a well-considered response that prioritizes safety.