How should you react if your brakes fail while driving?

• A. Pump the brake, shift to a lower gear, use the parking brake gradually, and steer to a safe location
• B. Turn off the engine immediately with no steering
• C. Speed up to find a safe exit
• D. Continue driving normally

Answer: (A)

When brakes fail, the goal is to slow the vehicle and move to a safe area while you maintain control. Start by pumping the brake pedal to see if hydraulic pressure can be restored enough to regain braking effect. Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking, which helps slow the car even if the brakes aren’t working well. Gradually apply the parking brake to add braking force without locking the wheels; ease into it and don’t yank the handle. Steer smoothly to a safe location, keeping you in control and away from traffic. If possible, activate hazard lights to alert others as you move off the roadway.

Turning off the engine immediately is not advised because you’ll lose power steering and power brakes, making steering and stopping much harder. Accelerating to find a safe exit is dangerous and could lead to a collision.