What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

Answer: B — Shift to a lower gear and use the parking brake

When faced with brake failure while driving, shifting to a lower gear and using the parking brake is the most effective response. Lowering the gear allows the engine to help slow down the vehicle through engine braking, which can reduce your speed more effectively than relying solely on brake pedals. Meanwhile, carefully applying the parking brake can also assist in slowing the vehicle down. It’s crucial to engage the parking brake gradually to avoid locking the rear wheels, which could lead to loss of control. This method is a proactive approach to manage the situation, giving the driver a better chance of bringing the vehicle to a stop safely without resorting to more drastic maneuvers. Other options, such as accelerating or ignoring the brakes, can lead to dangerous situations and should be avoided. Stepping directly into a safe area might be ideal but does not address the immediate need to decelerate the vehicle.