What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

• A. Pump the brakes if there’s pressure, use the parking brake gradually, and steer to a safe location.
• B. Slam the accelerator to gain distance.
• C. Turn on your hazard lights and continue at normal speed.
• D. Speed up to reach the next exit.

Answer: (A)

When brakes fail, the priority is to slow down and stop safely using whatever options are still available. Start by pumping the brake pedal to see if hydraulic pressure can be restored; even a small return of braking power can help. If the pedal goes to the floor and pressure doesn’t return, gradually use the parking brake to assist in slowing, being careful to release slowly to avoid skidding. At the same time, steer calmly toward a safe location off the roadway and activate your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Once stopped, seek help. Slamming the accelerator would only push you faster and make stopping harder. Continuing at normal speed with hazards on is unsafe, and speeding up to reach an exit won’t solve the braking problem.

When brakes fail, the priority is to slow down and stop safely using whatever options are still available. Start by pumping the brake pedal to see if hydraulic pressure can be restored; even a small return of braking power can help. If the pedal goes to the floor and pressure doesn’t return, gradually use the parking brake to assist in slowing, being careful to release slowly to avoid skidding. At the same time, steer calmly toward a safe location off the roadway and activate your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Once stopped, seek help.

Slamming the accelerator would only push you faster and make stopping harder. Continuing at normal speed with hazards on is unsafe, and speeding up to reach an exit won’t solve the braking problem.