What should you do if your brakes fail?

If your brakes fail, the most effective response is to pump the brake pedal while steering towards a safe area. This action can potentially build up enough brake pressure to slow down the vehicle. Steering towards a safe area is crucial as it allows you to direct your vehicle away from potential hazards like other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, giving you a chance to regain control.

Pumping the brake pedal may help revive some braking ability briefly, and steering towards a safe space ensures that even if the vehicle does not come to a full stop, you are minimizing the risk of collision. It's important to stay calm and focused during such situations, as panic can exacerbate the problem and lead to poor decision-making.

In contrast, immediately using the handbrake may cause loss of control, and shifting to a higher gear or skidding could lead to dangerous situations that further complicate the scenario.