Sticking accelerator

A stuck accelerator is a driving emergency that will cause your speed to keep increasing ...

The first thing is to brake firmly to counteract the effects of acceleration. In a rear wheel drive car you could consider using the parking brake (note: only do this if it is hand operated).

Look well ahead, avoiding the temptation look down at the pedal to see the problem. Even if you can see the pedal the problem is probably somewhere else - in the linkage or engine management system for example.

Change into neutral. Your brakes should now slow you down. In many cars the 'rev limiter' will stop the engine as soon as it starts to 'over rev' (see the warning below about stopped engines). An alternative is to switch off the engine without selecting neutral - but see the warning below.

Aim for your safe stopping position (make sure you know what is happening all around, especially on multi-lane roads).

As soon as possible - and when the car has slowed down - stop the engine (switch off). Beware, that turning off the engine will disable your power steering and reduce the efficiency of servo assisted brakes. Another danger is that turning the key too far can activate the steering lock.

Stay calm - stay safe!