What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

Answer: B — Try to pump the brakes, downshift, and steer to a safe area

When faced with brake failure while driving, the most effective course of action is to try to pump the brakes, downshift to a lower gear, and steer towards a safe area. Pumping the brakes can help build up pressure in the brake lines, which may allow for some braking ability, depending on the nature of the failure. Downshifting can also help reduce speed by utilizing engine braking, which slows the vehicle through the engine's resistance. Steering towards a safe area is essential for avoiding a collision and ensuring both your safety and the safety of others on the road. Other options may not be as effective or safe. Turning off the engine immediately can reduce control and make it difficult to steer, while solely applying the emergency brake might cause the vehicle to skid or lose control. Asking passengers to help slow down is not a practical solution, as it does not address the core mechanical issue of brake failure. Thus, the recommended actions provide a practical approach to managing brake failure effectively.