What is the first thing you should do during a brake failure?

When experiencing brake failure, the initial action you should take is to pump the brake pedal to attempt to build pressure. This technique may help restore some functionality to the brake system, especially in vehicle systems where air or fluid may cause the brakes to fail temporarily. Pumping the brake pedal can sometimes push residual fluid back into the lines, allowing some braking power to return.

Proper knowledge of this response is crucial, as other actions could potentially lead to an unsafe situation. For instance, pulling the emergency brake immediately could cause the vehicle to skid, especially if you have a sudden decrease in speed. Steering towards a guard rail might seem like a safety measure but could lead to an accident if improperly executed. Shifting into neutral can disengage the engine from the wheels, but it does not directly address the issue of brake failure and may make it harder to slow down the vehicle properly. Therefore, attempting to pump the brake is a sensible first step in trying to regain control of the vehicle.