What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

If your brakes fail while driving, using the emergency brake and steering to a safe area is an essential action to take. The emergency brake, or parking brake, is designed specifically to help slow down or stop your vehicle in case of brake failure. It operates independently of the primary braking system, allowing you to regain some control over the vehicle.

Steering towards a safe area is also crucial. This may mean moving to the shoulder of the road or any open space where you can bring the vehicle to a stop without endangering yourself or others. Combining the use of the emergency brake with careful steering can help prevent a potentially dangerous situation.

The other options may not be as effective or safe in the event of a brake failure. For instance, pumping the brake pedal might provide some pressure if the issue is temporary, but it is not reliable if the brakes have completely failed. Shifting into a lower gear can help slow down the vehicle but depends on the condition of the engine and transmission and may not be sufficient to stop the vehicle entirely. Abandoning the vehicle immediately could jeopardize your safety and the safety of others, as it does not address the immediate issue of controlling the vehicle.