What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When brakes fail while driving, the most effective and safe action is to shift into neutral and steer to safety. This approach helps to disengage the engine from the wheels, allowing the vehicle to coast to a stop without the risk of accelerating further due to a stuck throttle. By steering, you can guide the vehicle towards a safe area, perhaps a breakdown lane or another safe spot away from traffic.

Additionally, this method provides the driver with some control over the direction of the vehicle during a time of crisis, which is crucial for avoiding potential collisions. Once you've steered to safety, you can then begin to use the emergency brake if further stopping power is needed.

The other methods presented—pumping the brake pedal, applying the emergency brake immediately, or trying to steer into oncoming traffic—do not address the situation as effectively. Pumping the brakes might not build sufficient pressure if the brake system has failed completely, and immediately applying the emergency brake without caution could lead to skidding or loss of control. Steering into oncoming traffic poses a significant danger, leading to more severe consequences. Therefore, the selected course of action focuses on safely guiding the vehicle while minimizing risk to yourself and others.