What action should you take if your brakes fail while driving?

When encountering brake failure while driving, the appropriate response is to pump the brake pedal, shift to a lower gear, and use the emergency brake. This approach is designed to help regain control of the vehicle and slow it down safely.

Pumping the brake pedal can sometimes help build pressure in the brake lines, which may enable you to regain some braking function. Shifting to a lower gear helps slow the vehicle down by using engine braking, which can effectively reduce speed. The emergency brake, or handbrake, is an additional tool to bring the vehicle to a stop, but it should be used carefully to avoid losing control or causing the vehicle to skid.

Actions like switching to the handbrake only might not provide enough stopping power on their own, as it might lead to a loss of control. Turning off the ignition is extremely dangerous as it disables power steering and power brakes, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. Accelerating would further increase speed and reduce control, which increases the risk of an accident. Therefore, the practice of combining these three actions allows for a more controlled approach to manage the situation effectively.