What is the correct response if your brakes fail while driving?

What is the correct response if your brakes fail while driving?

• A. Steer towards the sidewalk
• B. Shift to a lower gear and pump the brakes
• C. Hit the gas to stop the car quickly
• D. Turn off the engine

Answer: (B)

When brakes fail while driving, the appropriate response is to shift to a lower gear and pump the brakes. This technique helps to utilize engine braking, which can slow down the vehicle despite the brake failure. By shifting into a lower gear, the car's engine will help to reduce speed, as pulling the car into a lower gear increases resistance. Pumping the brakes, if there is any residual pressure left in the brake lines, could potentially restore some braking action, thereby assisting in stopping the vehicle. This response allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle while attempting to come to a safe stop. It’s critical to remain calm, engage in these actions, and if possible, look for a safe area to steer the car to avoid collisions.

When brakes fail while driving, the appropriate response is to shift to a lower gear and pump the brakes. This technique helps to utilize engine braking, which can slow down the vehicle despite the brake failure. By shifting into a lower gear, the car's engine will help to reduce speed, as pulling the car into a lower gear increases resistance. Pumping the brakes, if there is any residual pressure left in the brake lines, could potentially restore some braking action, thereby assisting in stopping the vehicle.

This response allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle while attempting to come to a safe stop. It’s critical to remain calm, engage in these actions, and if possible, look for a safe area to steer the car to avoid collisions.