What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure, the most effective response is to pump the brakes to build up any residual pressure, shift to a lower gear to help slow the vehicle, and look for a safe area to stop. Pumping the brakes can sometimes restore enough braking power to safely stop the vehicle or at least reduce speed. Shifting to a lower gear allows the engine to assist in decelerating the car, helping to bring it to a halt. Finding a safe area to stop is crucial for avoiding an accident and ensuring your safety as well as the safety of others on the road.

Using the parking brake gradually can be effective but should be done carefully to avoid skidding or losing control of the vehicle, which may not be as effective if the car is still traveling at a high speed. Steering toward the shoulder and honking can alert other drivers but does not directly address the immediate need to stop the vehicle safely. Turning off the ignition can lead to a loss of steering control and is not advisable until the vehicle is almost stopped. Therefore, the recommended approach focuses on reducing speed safely while finding a secure location to stop.