Practice question

If brakes fail, which sequence helps you stop safely?

  1. Continue to drive and hope for the best.
  2. Turn off the ignition and coast.
  3. Panic and brake as hard as possible.
  4. Shift to a lower gear, use the emergency brake gradually if needed, and steer to a safe location.

Answer: C — Panic and brake as hard as possible.

When brakes fail, your priority is to slow down in a controlled way and move to a safe spot. Start by shifting to a lower gear to use engine braking, which helps you lose speed without relying on the braking system. If needed, gradually apply the emergency brake to supplement deceleration, being careful not to yank it so you don’t lock the wheels. As you decelerate, steer toward a safe location away from traffic and hazards. Stay calm, signal, and look for a place to stop safely. Avoid trying to continue driving and hoping for the best, turning off the ignition while you’re still moving, or panicking and stamping the brakes hard, all of which can lead to loss of control.

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