What actions should you take if your brakes fail?

If your brakes fail while driving, the most effective action to take is to pump the brakes and use the emergency brake. Pumping the brakes can help build up brake pressure if there is a minor brake failure, which may restore some braking function. It is a technique used to attempt to regain control over the braking system.

Utilizing the emergency brake is crucial because it acts as a secondary braking system designed to bring the vehicle to a stop safely, even in the event of a primary brake failure. However, it is important to apply the emergency brake gently to avoid locking up the rear wheels, which could cause the vehicle to skid.

Other strategies may also involve shifting into a lower gear to reduce speed and steering to a safe area, but the primary focus during initial brake failure should be on these actions to gain control of the vehicle.