What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, the most appropriate response is to shift to a lower gear, pump the brakes, and use the parking brake if necessary. Shifting to a lower gear helps utilize engine braking, which can slow down the vehicle effectively even when the brakes are not functioning. Pumping the brakes can sometimes build up pressure in the brake line, allowing for a little bit of braking power in certain systems, even if just temporarily.

Using the parking brake is a critical measure in this situation because it can help bring the vehicle to a stop. However, it should be used cautiously, as pulling it too hard or too suddenly can cause the vehicle to skid or flip if done at a high speed. Maintaining control of the vehicle by steering away from obstacles is also vital during brake failure.

The other options mentioned do not adequately address the need for safe stopping or controlling the vehicle in a brake failure situation. Shifting to a higher gear and pumping the gas would likely increase speed, which is dangerous. Steering toward the sidewalk may not be a viable option if there are pedestrians or obstacles. Simply hitting the hazard lights does not assist in stopping the vehicle, which is the primary concern when brakes fail. Thus, the correct response encompasses multiple strategies for effectively