Stuck Accelerator? What South African Drivers Must Do

If your accelerator sticks, press the brake firmly, shift the transmission into Neutral, steer to a safe place and stop. Do not pump the brake or switch off the ignition while the car is still moving. Once stationary, apply the parking brake, switch off and arrange professional assistance.

Information checked: 3 November 2026.

What to do if the accelerator sticks

1. Stay focused and warn others. Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Switch on the hazard lights if you can do so without losing control.
2. Brake firmly and continuously. Use strong, steady pressure. Do not repeatedly pump the pedal; that can reduce braking assistance on some vehicles.
3. Shift into Neutral. In an automatic, move the selector to N. In a manual, press the clutch fully and select neutral. The engine may rev loudly, but separating engine power from the wheels is the priority.
4. Steer to a safe stopping place. Keep braking, check mirrors and move away from traffic when safe. Avoid abrupt steering.
5. Stop and secure the vehicle. Apply the parking brake only after road speed is very low or the car has stopped. Switch off the engine once stationary.
6. Do not drive again. Call roadside assistance or a qualified workshop. The throttle pedal, floor mat, electronic throttle system or another component must be inspected before the car returns to the road.

What not to do

• Do not bend down to pull at the pedal while moving.
• Do not select Park or Reverse at speed.
• Do not switch the ignition fully off while moving; this can affect steering assistance and may engage a steering lock on some vehicles.
• Do not rely on the parking brake as the first braking method at speed because it may destabilise the vehicle.
• Do not restart and continue driving after the symptom disappears.

Could a floor mat cause it?

A loose, stacked or incorrect floor mat can interfere with pedal travel. Before driving, make sure the driver mat is the correct shape, secured by its factory retainers and clear of the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals. Never place one mat on top of another.

If the pedal sticks while parked, switch the vehicle off and inspect only the visible pedal area. Do not dismantle electronic throttle or safety systems. If anything is uncertain, use a qualified technician.

Automatic versus manual cars

The key action is the same: disconnect engine power from the wheels. Select Neutral in an automatic. In a manual, press the clutch and select neutral. A high-revving engine can sound alarming, but maintaining steering and braking control matters more than protecting the engine during an emergency.

After you have stopped

Record what happened, including the road speed, warning lights and whether the pedal physically stayed down. Take photographs only when safely parked. Check the vehicle handbook and ask the manufacturer or dealer whether any recall or service campaign applies to the VIN.

For another roadworthy vehicle, browse the Motordeal Premium showroom. If you are preparing to change cars, see our trade-in and finance pages.

Quick prevention check

• Use only correctly fitting, secured floor mats.
• Keep bottles, tools and loose objects out of the driver footwell.
• Investigate a stiff, slow-returning or inconsistent accelerator immediately.
• Do not ignore throttle, EPC or check-engine warnings.
• Keep roadside-assistance details accessible.

Sources and further reading

• US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: accelerator pedal entrapment
• AA South Africa: emergency services

Safety note: This is general emergency guidance, not a substitute for the vehicle handbook or model-specific manufacturer instructions.

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