What should you do if your brakes stop working?

If your brakes stop working, rapidly pumping the brake pedal can help to restore some braking power. This action may build up brake pressure, particularly if you have a hydraulic brake system. By pumping the brakes, you might engage the brake fluid enough to create resistance and slow the vehicle down. This technique is a common emergency response taught in driving safety courses.

The other options do not effectively address the immediate need to slow the vehicle. Turning off the engine could lead to loss of steering and braking power depending on the vehicle type. Pulling the handbrake is not recommended to do slowly, as it can cause loss of control or lead to skidding if applied abruptly. Accelerating to gain control can be extremely dangerous, as increased speed would further compromise your ability to manage the vehicle and could lead to a loss of control in a critical situation.