What should you do if you experience brake failure while driving?

If you experience brake failure while driving, downshifting to slow the vehicle and using the emergency brake is a strategic response. Downshifting helps to reduce the speed of your vehicle by utilizing the engine's braking power. This method is particularly effective in larger vehicles, like trucks, where maintaining control and gradually reducing speed is crucial for safety.

Using the emergency brake can provide additional stopping power, but it should be applied cautiously to avoid locking the wheels and causing a skid. This combination method allows for a more controlled deceleration while you assess the situation. It is important to remain calm and focused during brake failure, as making abrupt movements can lead to loss of control.

The other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts of vehicle control, do not prioritize the gradual reduction of speed and controlled handling necessary during brake failure. For instance, using the parking brake immediately could lead to a sudden stop, which might cause the vehicle to skid, and steering off the road should only be a last resort when you can no longer maintain control. Accelerating to regain control is counterproductive and increases the risk of an accident, as it does not address the brake failure issue.