If your brakes fail while driving, what is the recommended action?

When experiencing brake failure while driving, shifting to a lower gear and using the emergency brake is the recommended action because it helps to reduce the vehicle's speed in a controlled manner. Lowering the gear increases engine resistance, which can slow the vehicle down, while the emergency brake can provide additional stopping power. This combination allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle and minimize the risk of a collision or losing control on the road.

Utilizing the emergency brake properly is crucial; it should be applied gradually to avoid locking the rear wheels, which can result in skidding. Additionally, downshifting helps slow down the vehicle without relying solely on the brakes, which are no longer effective in this situation. This strategy promotes a safer and more manageable response to a critical situation.