How must you handle a situation where your brakes fail?

When faced with brake failure, the most effective response is to pump the brakes, shift to a lower gear, and look for a safe escape route. Pumping the brakes may build up hydraulic pressure in the brake lines, potentially allowing you to slow down or come to a stop. Shifting to a lower gear uses the engine's braking power to help control the vehicle's speed. Additionally, identifying a safe escape route is crucial for avoiding a collision and minimizing potential harm.

Taking these steps allows a driver to maintain as much control over the vehicle as possible in a situation where brakes are not functioning properly. Other options may not provide the necessary control or could even exacerbate the situation. For example, turning off the engine immediately can lead to a loss of steering control and power steering, making the situation more dangerous. Simply applying the parking brake hard without careful consideration can result in a skid or loss of control of the vehicle. Finally, taking your foot off the accelerator alone won't help slow the vehicle down or recover from brake failure effectively. Hence, the comprehensive approach of pumping the brakes, downshifting, and looking for an escape is essential for safely managing this scenario.