What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When dealing with brake failure while driving, the most effective course of action is to pump the brakes, downshift to a lower gear, and find a safe area to stop. Pumping the brakes can sometimes build up enough brake pressure to regain partial braking ability, allowing you to slow down. Downshifting to a lower gear utilizes engine braking to help reduce speed effectively without relying solely on the brake system. Additionally, it is crucial to look for a safe area to bring the vehicle to a stop, which allows for a controlled response to the emergency situation.

Utilizing the handbrake immediately, as suggested in one of the options, can lead to loss of control, especially if the vehicle is traveling at high speed, making it an inappropriate first response. Steering off the road directly may result in unintended hazards or collisions, as the immediate action doesn’t consider the surroundings. Accelerating to reach a service station can dangerously escalate the situation and is not a practical solution when brakes fail—although it might seem tempting, it increases the risk of an accident.

By following the recommended strategy of pumping the brakes and downshifting, a driver maximizes their chances of regaining control and safely stopping the vehicle.