What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When your brakes fail while driving, it is crucial to take immediate and effective action to regain control of the vehicle and avoid an accident. The recommended approach of pumping the brake pedal can help build up brake pressure, which may allow you to slow down more effectively. Downshifting to a lower gear helps slow the vehicle through engine braking, which is useful for reducing speed without relying solely on the brakes. Steering to safety means you should direct the vehicle towards a safe area, such as a shoulder, open space, or area free of obstacles.

This method combines multiple strategies to manage a brake failure situation, making it the safest and most effective response. It addresses both the need to reduce speed and the need to maintain control over the vehicle while navigating to a safe location.