Final answer:
The proper course of action is to pump the brakes gently to slow down and maintain control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper course of action in this situation is B) Pump the brakes gently to slow down and maintain control. Slamming on the brakes can cause the wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of control. By pumping the brakes gently, you can slow down the vehicle while still maintaining some control. Swerving into the oncoming traffic lane is dangerous and should be avoided.