If the accelerator pedal is stuck, what should you do first?

When faced with a situation where the accelerator pedal is stuck, the most critical first step is to put the car into neutral. This action disengages the engine's power from the wheels, allowing you to maintain control of the vehicle while reducing speed. By shifting to neutral, you can steer the car safely, avoid obstacles, and bring it to a stop, which is essential for preventing a potentially dangerous situation.

Turning off the engine can also be a viable step, but it may result in the loss of power steering and braking assistance, making the vehicle harder to control. Shifting to reverse would not be appropriate, as it could cause the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly in the opposite direction, risking further complications. Engaging the emergency brake can help slow the vehicle down, but using it abruptly can lead to loss of control. Therefore, putting the car into neutral is the safest and most effective action to take immediately in this situation.