What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, pumping the brake pedal and shifting to a lower gear serves as a practical response to regain some level of control. Pumping the brake pedal may build up pressure in the braking system if the failure is due to a temporary loss of hydraulic pressure, allowing the driver to slow the vehicle down enough to reach a safe stop. Additionally, shifting to a lower gear helps utilize the engine's braking power, which can further assist in decelerating the vehicle.

This strategy is critical in an emergency where brakes may not be responding effectively. It allows for an attempt to reduce speed while maintaining control, which is essential for avoiding accidents in this precarious situation. Other options, such as turning off the engine or making sudden turns, could lead to further loss of vehicle control, making the situation more dangerous. Pulling over immediately without proper braking techniques might not be feasible if there's insufficient distance or speed control.