What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When brakes fail while driving, the most effective immediate response is to pump the brake pedal and shift to a lower gear. Pumping the brake pedal can sometimes build up enough pressure to engage the brakes momentarily, allowing the driver to slow down or stop the vehicle. Shifting to a lower gear helps to reduce speed due to engine braking, which can further assist in managing a situation where the brakes are not functioning as expected.

Engaging the emergency brake immediately may also seem like a viable option, but if done too quickly or at high speeds, it might lead to loss of control or skidding. Steering off the road can be a part of a larger evasive strategy, but without first attempting to slow the vehicle, this may be insufficient. Increasing speed is counterproductive as it can exacerbate the situation, making it harder to control the vehicle and increasing the risk of an accident. Hence, the correct response emphasizes maintaining control while attempting to slow the vehicle safely.