What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, pumping the brake pedal can help restore some pressure in the brake system and may allow the driver to regain enough braking capability to slow the vehicle down safely. This technique can be effective if the brake system has lost pressure but is not completely nonfunctional. By rapidly pumping the pedal, the driver may engage the brake system enough to achieve a partial brake effect, potentially allowing for a safer resolution of the situation.

In contrast, accelerating to gain speed would exacerbate the situation, as it increases the vehicle's momentum, making it harder to control or stop. Turning off the ignition is dangerous because it can disable power steering and power brakes, making the vehicle more difficult to control. Switching to the emergency lane might not be feasible or safe depending on traffic conditions, and it does not address the immediate issue of braking. Therefore, pumping the brake pedal is the most advisable and practical first response in the event of brake failure.