What should be done if the brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, the most effective response is to look for a safe area to coast to a stop. This involves steering the vehicle to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road or an open area, where you can stop without posing a hazard to yourself or others on the road. Gradually coasting allows for better control of the vehicle, helping to prevent a sudden stop or loss of control.

Coasting to a stop provides an opportunity to assess the situation while minimizing risks, as it helps avoid the sudden, uncontrolled actions that could result from trying to manipulate other vehicle controls aggressively. For instance, shifting to neutral may not effectively help manage the vehicle’s speed and could lead to further complications, like losing steering control.

Similarly, accelerating in an attempt to gain control can be counterproductive, potentially leading to a higher speed that increases the risk of an accident. Pulling the handbrake immediately might also create sudden deceleration, which can lead to skidding or loss of control, especially on slippery surfaces.

Therefore, coasting to a safe area allows for a more calculated response to a brake failure, focusing on maintaining control of the vehicle until it's possible to stop safely.