What should you do if you experience brake failure?

When experiencing brake failure, the recommended action is to pump the brakes, shift to a lower gear, and use the emergency brake if necessary. This approach is effective because pumping the brakes may build up hydraulic pressure in the brake system, potentially allowing for some braking power to be restored. Shifting to a lower gear can help slow the vehicle naturally through engine braking, which provides an additional way to reduce speed without relying solely on the brakes. Utilizing the emergency brake is crucial as it serves as a backup method to slow down and stop the vehicle when normal brakes are unresponsive.

Engaging in other actions such as immediately turning off the engine can disrupt power steering and braking systems, making it harder to control the vehicle. Crashing into an object is counterproductive and presents significant risks to personal safety and the safety of others. Pressing the accelerator to gain control would accelerate the situation, increasing speed rather than aiding in stopping safely. Therefore, the combination of these methods offers the best chance of regaining control and bringing the vehicle to a stop effectively.