What is the recommended reaction if your vehicle's brakes fail?

When faced with brake failure, the recommended course of action is to pump the brake pedal, downshift to a lower gear, and utilize the emergency brake. Pumping the brake pedal can help build up brake pressure in some systems, which may temporarily restore braking power. Shifting to a lower gear increases the engine's resistance and helps slow the vehicle down without relying solely on the brakes. Using the emergency brake provides an additional means to slow down or stop the vehicle, engaging the system specifically designed for emergencies. This combination of actions maximizes control and safety, allowing the driver to reduce speed effectively while maintaining vehicle stability.

Other options, like relying solely on the parking brake or turning off the engine, may not provide adequate control or may create additional risks, such as losing power steering or needing to steer without power. Therefore, the approach of pumping the brakes, downshifting, and using the emergency brake is the most comprehensive and effective strategy in such a critical situation.