What should a driver do if they experience brake failure while driving?

If a driver experiences brake failure while driving, using the emergency brake and finding a safe area to stop is the most effective response. The emergency brake, often referred to as the parking brake, is designed to provide additional stopping power when the main brakes fail. Engaging the emergency brake allows the driver to reduce speed safely and maintain control of the vehicle.

It's important to apply the emergency brake gradually to avoid locking the rear wheels, which could lead to a loss of control or a skid. Simultaneously, the driver should look for a safe area to steer the vehicle, such as an emergency shoulder, open space, or any area away from traffic, to come to a complete stop.

While other options may seem viable, they do not promote safety or effective control in the situation. For example, accelerating in response to brake failure can worsen the situation by increasing the speed of the vehicle, leading to more severe consequences. Alerting other drivers with horn signals might help momentarily, but it does not directly address the immediate need to stop the vehicle. Shifting to neutral can potentially help, but it does not provide a controlled or effective way to slow down the vehicle like the emergency brake does.