What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, shifting to a lower gear and applying the handbrake is an effective method to regain control of the vehicle and reduce its speed. Lowering the gear allows the engine to help slow the car down through engine braking, which can gradually decrease speed. This technique is beneficial because it uses the vehicle's mechanical systems to assist the driver in coming to a stop.

Additionally, applying the handbrake can help reduce speed further, although it should be used cautiously to avoid skidding or losing control. This method is often recommended over other options, as it takes advantage of the vehicle's design to help ensure a safer stop.

The other options are less effective in responding to brake failure. Accelerating is dangerous as it increases speed when control is paramount. Steering off the road may not be safe or advisable, depending on the situation, including the presence of obstacles or other traffic. Finally, signaling other drivers to stop is useful in some contexts but does not directly address the immediate need for the driver to regain control and slow down the vehicle effectively.