If your brakes fail while driving, what should you do?

When experiencing brake failure while driving, the appropriate response is to steer to a safe area and use the emergency brake. This method prioritizes safety by ensuring that the vehicle is directed away from potential hazards such as traffic, pedestrians, or obstacles. Steering to a safe area allows the driver to maintain control over the vehicle while they prepare to stop.

Using the emergency brake can help slow the vehicle down safely. It's important to engage it gradually to avoid locking up the rear wheels, which could lead to loss of control. This response highlights the critical need to remain calm and take decisive, measured actions when faced with a mechanical failure.

Other options may not effectively address the immediate need to slow the vehicle. Accelerating in an attempt to gain control can exacerbate the situation, as increased speed reduces reaction time and control. Shifting to neutral does not provide a reliable method for stopping, as it disengages the engine's power but does not assist in braking. Pulling the handbrake immediately can lead to skidding if not done cautiously, making it less safe.