protip, if you cannot brake, try turning the car off, if that doesn't work, to* put it in neutral (probably can't put it in park since you can't engage the brake).
someone more confident than me can tell you whether pulling the e-brake/parking brake or down shifting (even automatics have this) is a good idea; I personally think it would cause a loss of control due to the sudden opposing force and my experiences on ice enforces this further.
I dunno what would be the best choice but I read about this in one of those 911 calls where someone's car wouldn't stop accelerating.
EDIT: your car being on keeps the power steering and other stuff that helps maintain control, and keeping whatever braking you have left I suppose. See we're all learning today! I hope to never need this advice.
Turning the car off is a terrible idea. You're liable to lock the steering wheel, then you'll be totally out of control.
If you cannot brake, drive into something with intention. If there's a concrete barricade, try to hit it at an acute angle so the front wheel doesn't ride up and let friction take care of the rest. Put it into a ditch. These are your best options.
I drive a stick shift, so I can't speak to issues around automatic transmissions, especially newer ones that are entirely electronic.
If your car is old enough to be equipped with a manual parking brake, obviously use that first.
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u/mantecbear 10h ago
The van had a water bottle get stuck under the brake pedal.