What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

If your brakes fail while driving, pumping the brakes can help build up brake pressure if there is still some residual effectiveness in the brake system. Shifting to a lower gear assists in slowing down the vehicle by utilizing engine braking, which is particularly important when brakes are compromised. Seeking a safe place to stop should always be a priority in this scenario, allowing for better control of the vehicle and greater safety for yourself and others on the road.

This approach helps in systematically reducing speed without creating panic or sudden movements that might lead to additional loss of control. It also allows the driver to maintain some degree of control over the situation until they can safely stop the vehicle.