When starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission, what position should the gear selector be in?

The gear selector should be in the Park position when starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission. This is a safety feature built into most automatic vehicles to prevent unintended movement upon starting. When the gear selector is in Park, the vehicle's transmission is locked, ensuring that it cannot roll away when the engine starts. This position also allows the driver to stabilize the vehicle and focus on starting it without the risk of it moving unexpectedly. Starting the vehicle in any other position, such as Drive or Reverse, could lead to dangerous situations, as the car could begin to move immediately as the engine starts. Therefore, ensuring that the vehicle is in Park is crucial for safe operation.