What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, it's crucial to take immediate and effective actions to safely bring the vehicle to a stop. Pumping the brake pedal can often build up pressure in the brake system, potentially allowing you to regain some braking ability momentarily. Shifting to a lower gear helps to use engine braking, which can slow the vehicle down effectively without relying solely on the brakes. Finally, using the parking brake can assist in bringing the vehicle to a stop; however, care must be taken to engage it gradually to avoid locking the rear wheels, which could lead to a skid.

The other actions listed are not advisable or effective in this situation. Turning off the engine immediately could cause a loss of steering control and power brakes, making the situation worse. Accelerating to increase momentum would be dangerously counterproductive, as it would increase speed rather than help stop the vehicle. Coasting to a stop without any action may delay necessary interventions, leading to a greater risk of an accident. Therefore, the recommended method encompasses a combination of actions that work together to maximize safety upon experiencing brake failure.