What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

If your brakes fail while driving, pumping the brake pedal can help create enough pressure in the brake lines to regain some braking ability, especially in vehicles equipped with hydraulic brakes. It’s a common technique used to build up pressure when experiencing a brake failure. In addition to this, utilizing the parking brake is crucial; this brake operates independently from the standard braking system and can help bring the vehicle to a stop. Applying the parking brake gradually prevents locking the rear wheels, which might cause further loss of control.

The other options are not as effective for safely stopping a vehicle in the event of brake failure. Shifting into neutral may allow the vehicle to coast, but it is not a reliable method for coming to a stop safely, as it doesn’t help with returning control of the vehicle. Turning off the ignition is dangerous as it can lead to loss of steering control and prevent the driver from using any remaining brake function. Continuously applying the horn may alert others, but it does not contribute to stopping the vehicle and may distract you from focusing on regaining control.