SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-stuck-accelerator

What should you do if your gas pedal gets stuck?

Shift to neutral and brake, then get off the road.

  1. Turn the engine off right away
  2. Shift to neutral and brake ✔
  3. Pump the gas pedal

Why: First try to free the pedal by hooking your shoe under it. If it stays stuck, shift into neutral and brake to slow down and get off the road.

Huh, didn't know that: Do not turn off the ignition while moving: you could lose steering control or lock the steering wheel.

The dad joke
Why was the gas pedal so pushy? It just would not let up!
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References

Answer: Shift to neutral and brake. First try to free the pedal by hooking your shoe under it. If it stays stuck, shift into neutral and brake to slow down and get off the road.

  1. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-10-special-driving-conditions
    If not, shift into neutral and use the brake to slow your vehicle and get off the road.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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