What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When experiencing brake failure while driving, downshifting to lower gears and safely steering to the side of the road is the most effective course of action. This technique allows the vehicle to utilize engine braking, which helps slow down the vehicle gradually even without the conventional brakes. By shifting to a lower gear, you're able to reduce speed effectively while maintaining control, which is crucial in an emergency situation.

Steering to the side of the road provides a safe space away from traffic and potential hazards, allowing for a safer environment to further assess the situation and possibly use other means to stop the vehicle, such as the emergency brake if necessary.

The approach of downshifting and steering to safety is particularly important because it provides drivers with a controlled way to respond to a critical failure, rather than risking further complications by using methods that may not yield the desired results or could make the situation worse.