If your accelerator pedal gets stuck what should you not do A Reach down and pull the accelerator with your hands B Apply your brakes C Flash your lights to warn others?

Answer: You should NOT do all of the above.

If your ACCELERATOR PEDAL JAMS DOWN (or your cruise control won't reset)

As soon as it is safe to do so:

TURN YOUR IGNITION SWITCH ONE NOTCH BACK to the ACC (or OFF) position.

- Do not move the key any further back, or remove it from the ignition, as this may allow the steering lock to engage.

- Drivers of modern vehicles without a conventional key-operated ignition switch should familiarize themselves with the operation of the vehicle's starting and stopping procedures (before they need to use them in an emergency).

- The result will be exactly the same as if your engine suffered some type of electrical or fuel supply failure, or you ran out of fuel while driving.

- With one possible exception: if your car is one of the few recent models that has electrically-assisted Power Steering, the power steering might fail. You will still have steering, but it will be harder and heavier.

FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND BRAKE GENTLY TO A HALT.

- After turning off the engine, it will initially keep spinning as it is driven by the momentum of the car. In a car with an automatic transmission, the engine will stop when your speed drops below about 30km/h. In a manual, the engine won't stop until you depress the clutch or put it in neutral.

- Power assisted brakes retain at least one or two good stops after the engine stops (on stored vacuum), so you shouldn't have any trouble stopping safely. Try to stop the car with a single consistent application of the brakes. You can, but shouldn't need to, use the handbrake (emergency brake) to stop, but you should apply it firmly as soon as the car has stopped.

- If your car has hydraulically-assisted power steering (like most of them do), when the engine stops, the power steering will fail. You will still have steering, but it will be harder and heavier. While travelling at speed, the loss of power assistance will not be too dramatic. As the car slows, the difference will become more noticeable. Try to choose a place to stop that will not require sharp turns.

- Do not attempt to drive the car until the cause of the problem is identified and resolved. Call for help, and get the car towed for service if necessary.

The author of this document is in no way responsible for any actions you chose to take in your vehicle. You should familiarize yourself with all aspects of the operation of your vehicle, particularly the operation of the ignition switch and steering lock.