During unintended acceleration, what should a driver do after shifting to neutral?

When a driver experiences unintended acceleration, the priority is to maintain control of the vehicle while addressing the situation safely. Shifting to neutral is a crucial step because it disconnects the engine from the wheels and prevents further acceleration. After the vehicle is in neutral, steering smoothly is essential as it allows the driver to guide the vehicle to a safe location, such as the side of the road.

Maintaining smooth steering helps prevent abrupt movements that could lead to loss of control, especially if the driver is traveling at high speeds or through crowded areas. This safe maneuvering is vital while preparing to stop the vehicle safely without the risk of colliding with obstacles or compromising the safety of others on the road.

In contrast, choices that involve accelerating again or shifting back to drive do not address the critical issue of regaining control but instead may exacerbate the problem. Engaging the parking brake is typically a last resort because it can cause the wheels to lock up, potentially leading to skidding and reducing the driver's control over the vehicle. Therefore, steering smoothly after switching to neutral is the most effective action to take in this emergency situation.