Final answer:
When brakes fail while driving, it's important to stay calm, pump the brakes, shift to a lower gear, apply the emergency brake gradually, and look for a safe place to stop.
Step-by-step explanation:
When brakes fail while driving, there are several steps you should take:
- Stay calm and keep a steady grip on the steering wheel - It's important to remain calm and avoid panic. Grip the steering wheel firmly to maintain control over the vehicle.
- Pump the brakes several times - If your vehicle has a traditional braking system, try pumping the brakes multiple times to build up hydraulic pressure.
- Shift to a lower gear - If your vehicle has manual transmission, shift to a lower gear to slow down the vehicle.
- Apply the emergency brake gradually - Engage the emergency brake slowly and gradually to prevent skidding.
- Look for a safe place to stop - Keep scanning the road for a safe spot to pull over, such as a clear shoulder, parking lot, or side street.