What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with a brake failure while driving, shifting into neutral and steering to safety is a vital response. This action allows the driver to disengage the engine from the wheels, which can prevent further acceleration and help reduce speed. Steering to a safe location is crucial to avoid collisions and manage the situation effectively.

In this scenario, maintaining control of the vehicle is essential. By shifting into neutral, you can still steer the car while working to bring it to a stop. This response prioritizes safety, allowing the driver to navigate towards a less hazardous area, such as the shoulder of the road or an open space.

Other options might not provide the same level of control or safety. For instance, driving into a ditch could lead to additional dangers, such as flipping the vehicle or causing injury. Pumping the brake pedal could help regain some brake pressure, but if the brakes have fully failed, this might not be effective. Turning off the engine can create further issues, such as losing power steering and power brakes, making the vehicle harder to control. Thus, shifting into neutral and steering to safety is the most effective response in the event of brake failure.