Driving Emergency: What to do if the Gas Pedal Sticks?

From Chapter 3 of “LAUREN FIX’S GUIDE TO LOVING YOUR CAR:

Everything You Need to Know to Take Charge of Your Car and Get on With Your Life”

What if the gas pedal sticks?

Although this situation is not common, knowing what to do in the unlikely case of a gas pedal sticking might save your life.

Your throttle linkage can get stuck, making your car go even though you’ve taken your foot off the gas pedal. Don’t panic- this will only add to the stress.

 Try this first – Hook your toe under the pedal and see if you can free it.  The floor mat may be caught on the pedal. Do not turn off the ignition if your vehicle has power steering the steering wheel will lock and you won’t be able to steer the vehicle.

1. Be careful of the vehicles around you use your mirrors and signals.

2.    Shift into neutral and coast.

3.    Turn on your emergency lights to warn other drivers.

4.    IMMEDIATELY and gently apply your brakes, but keep coasting.

5.    Search for a safe place to pull over.

6.    Pull off the road cautiously on the pavement.

7.    Call roadside assistance for a tow truck.

*** The last resort is turning off the ignition, but you have to make sure that you do not lock the steering wheel. You will lose your power in the brakes and steering.

DO NOT try to drive the vehicle, as it will rev the engine to a dangerous level.

Knowing what to do in a potential emergency is what can save your life and others on the road.