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

If you experience brake failure while driving, shifting to a lower gear is the appropriate response. This action helps to reduce your speed by using the engine's resistance to slow the vehicle down, effectively aiding in deceleration even when the brakes are not functioning correctly. As you shift to lower gears, the engine’s compression can create drag that will help you come to a stop more gradually.

This technique can provide a crucial moment to regain control of the vehicle. It can also help prevent more severe consequences that might arise from continued speed with failing brakes. Driving in lower gears allows you to utilize the vehicle’s drivetrain more effectively, mitigating the risk of an accident.

While other options may seem beneficial at first glance, they do not directly address the fundamental need to slow the vehicle safely. For instance, turning off the ignition can lead to a loss of steering control, and using emergency flashers is only a means to warn other drivers, not to assist with stopping. Accelerating would further increase your speed, worsening the situation. Focusing on shifting gears is the most effective immediate response when faced with brake failure.