What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

Answer: B — Shift to a lower gear, pump the brakes, and use the emergency brake if necessary

If your brakes fail while driving, the most effective response is to shift to a lower gear, pump the brakes, and use the emergency brake if necessary. This course of action is essential for several reasons. Shifting to a lower gear helps to slow down the vehicle by using the engine's resistance, allowing you to maintain some control. Pumping the brakes can sometimes restore some braking power, especially if there is still a small amount of brake fluid left in the system. Engaging the emergency brake provides additional stopping power, but it should be used cautiously to avoid skidding or losing control of the vehicle. In contrast, steering off the road and abandoning the vehicle can lead to accidents or collisions with obstacles. Accelerating to gain control is highly dangerous and counterintuitive, as it increases speed when slowing down is crucial. Calling for roadside assistance is certainly a wise step after the immediate danger is handled, but it does not address the urgent need to stop the vehicle in a brake failure situation. Therefore, the correct answer outlines a proactive and controlled approach to a potentially dangerous scenario.