What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When experiencing brake failure while driving, the most effective response is to pump the brakes and downshift to a lower gear. Pumping the brakes can sometimes help build up brake pressure, which may allow you to regain some braking ability. Engaging a lower gear helps slow down the vehicle through engine braking, reducing speed more gradually and safely. This combination gives the driver a greater chance to control the vehicle and bring it to a stop without the use of the brakes.

Turning off the engine can lead to a loss of power steering and power brakes, making the vehicle harder to control. Driving into a ditch may seem like a desperate measure but can result in greater damage to the vehicle or injury. Flashing headlights at other drivers does not address the immediate issue of stopping the vehicle and might not effectively communicate the problem to others on the road.