What should you do if your brakes fail?

If your brakes fail while driving, the most effective response is to pump the brakes rapidly, downshift to a lower gear, and gently apply the parking brake. Pumping the brakes may build up pressure in the brake lines and help slow the vehicle down, while shifting to a lower gear increases engine resistance, which can assist in reducing speed. Gently applying the parking brake is crucial as it provides an additional method of slowing the vehicle without locking the rear wheels, which could lead to a loss of control.

Turning off the engine, while it might seem like a quick way to stop, can actually disengage power steering and power brakes, making it harder to control the vehicle and potentially leading to a dangerous situation. Using the emergency lane to stop can be risky; it should only be considered if there is an immediate opportunity, as it may not always be safe or available when brakes fail.