What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

Answer: A — Shift into neutral and steer to safety

If your brakes fail while driving, the recommended action is to shift into neutral and steer to safety. This approach helps to reduce the vehicle's speed without relying on the brakes, allowing you to maintain control of the steering while seeking a safe area to come to a stop. When you shift to neutral, the engine is disconnected from the wheels, which means you can safely coast to a stop. This avoids potential skidding or loss of control that might occur if you suddenly tried to brake or stop the vehicle in gear. Steering towards a safe space, such as a shoulder or an empty area, increases your chances of avoiding obstacles and minimizing any potential damage or injury. Attempting to pump the brakes may not be effective if there is a complete brake failure or if the brake fluid is low, as it could provide little to no pressure. Turning off the ignition can create a loss of steering and braking control, which can further complicate the situation. Relying on hope is not a practical or safe strategy, as it does not address the immediate need to regain vehicle control.