What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, shifting into a lower gear is a vital action to take. This technique utilizes the engine's braking power to help slow down the vehicle. By downshifting, the engine can create resistance, which assists in decelerating the vehicle. This method can be particularly effective in larger vehicles that require more distance and control to stop safely.

In addition to using engine braking, it's crucial for drivers to remain calm and focused on regaining control of the vehicle. Other strategies may also be necessary, depending on the situation, but downshifting can provide an essential immediate response to reduce speed.

The other options may not be as effective or safe in the event of brake failure. For example, simply pumping the brake pedal may not work if the brake system has completely failed, and pulling over might not be viable if you're traveling at high speed or in heavy traffic. Turning off the ignition could potentially lead to loss of steering control, creating further hazards.