Incidents, accidents and emergencies

While driving, your accelerator pedal sticks and the engine keeps racing. What should you do?

Switch off the engine at once, even at speed
Pump the accelerator hard until it frees itself
Select neutral and brake to a safe stop, then switch off the engine
Correct
Carry on to your destination and mention it later

Why?

The DVSA guide Driving – the essential skills says that if your accelerator sticks you should select neutral, or press the clutch, so the engine stops driving the wheels, then brake to a safe stop and switch off. Turning the engine off while moving at speed can lock the steering, so don't do that first.

Highway Code rule DES

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