What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When your brakes fail while driving, pumping the brake pedal to build pressure can often help restore some braking capability. This technique works because it may re-engage the brake system, allowing residual pressure to build up enough to create some braking force. It's a practical response that helps give the driver a better chance of slowing the vehicle down safely.

In contrast, coasting to a stop, while it might seem like a simple action, does not address the immediate danger of losing control or coming to a stop quickly enough. Steering off the road could put you in an even more dangerous situation, as it may lead to collisions or drive you into a less safe environment. Accelerating to maintain control would exacerbate the problem, as it could lead to a loss of control over the vehicle at higher speeds, making it more difficult to manage the emergency.