Practice question

If your accelerator fails while driving, which gear should you shift into?

  1. Drive
  2. Neutral
  3. Reverse
  4. Low

Answer: B — Neutral

When faced with an accelerator failure while driving, shifting into neutral is the appropriate action. This allows the driver to disengage the engine from the wheels, preventing the vehicle from accelerating further uncontrollably. It provides an opportunity to safely regain control and steer the vehicle to the side of the road. By shifting into neutral, the driver can also activate the brakes without the vehicle accelerating, making it easier to come to a stop. Other gear choices would not serve this purpose adequately. For instance, remaining in drive could mean the vehicle continues to accelerate, exacerbating the situation. Shifting into reverse is not a viable option while moving forward because it could lead to loss of control or even a collision. Selecting low gear might still allow for unwanted acceleration, which doesn't assist in regaining control. Therefore, shifting into neutral is the most effective choice to handle an accelerator failure safely.

Practice more: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Driver's Ed Practice Exam →