What steps should you take if your brakes fail while driving?

• A. Immediately press the accelerator to escape.
• B. Stop immediately in the lane and honk.
• C. Pump the brakes if possible, shift to a lower gear, use the emergency brake gradually, and steer to a safe area.
• D. Turn off engine and coast.

Answer: (C)

When brakes fail, the aim is to regain some control while moving the vehicle to a safe place. Start by trying to pump the brake pedal to re-pressurize the hydraulic system; even a few firm pumps can restore partial braking feel. If you still have some braking ability, shift to a lower gear to use engine braking to help slow you down without relying entirely on the brake system. Next, gradually apply the emergency or parking brake to aid slowing, but do so gently to avoid locking the wheels or losing control. As you lose speed, steer calmly toward a safe area such as the shoulder or a wide, clear lane, keeping your eyes on the path you want to take and signaling your intentions if possible. Avoid pressing the accelerator to speed up, and never assume turning off the engine is a fix—it can remove power steering and braking assist, making control harder.