What should you do if your brakes fail?

When faced with brake failure, the most sensible immediate action is to pump the brakes to try to build pressure. This technique can sometimes help restore braking ability, giving you control over the vehicle. By rapidly pressing the brake pedal, you may be able to engage the brake system sufficiently to slow down or stop, especially if the failure is not complete.

Understanding the mechanics of brake failure is essential. If the brake pedal feels loose or goes all the way to the floor, pumping may create enough friction to allow for some braking action as opposed to assuming the brakes are entirely non-functional.

While other options might seem like viable options, they carry significant risks. Steering into oncoming traffic is highly dangerous and may lead to a collision. Pulling the handbrake immediately can cause loss of control of the vehicle, as it can lock up the rear wheels and lead to skidding. Turning off the engine could immobilize the vehicle, but it would also take away power steering and possibly prevent you from steering effectively at high speeds. Therefore, attempting to pump the brakes is the most prudent first step in managing a brake failure situation.