If your brakes fail while driving, what should you do?

When you encounter brake failure while driving, using the handbrake slowly while downshifting is the most effective response. This approach allows you to control the vehicle's speed more safely. Engaging the handbrake gradually can help reduce the vehicle's speed without causing a sudden stop, which might lead to loss of control.

Moreover, downshifting to lower gears helps to naturally slow down the vehicle's speed as well. This combination creates a more manageable and controlled deceleration, reducing the risk of an accident while bringing the vehicle to a stop.

It's essential to avoid actions such as turning off the engine immediately, as this can disable power steering and power brakes, making the vehicle harder to control. Steering off the road and parallel parking might not always be feasible, especially in heavy traffic. Accelerating to maintain control is also not advisable since it can increase the risk of losing control if the vehicle continues to gain speed. Using the handbrake and downshifting focuses on maintaining control while safely coming to a halt.