If your brakes fail while driving, what should your first action be?

When brake failure occurs while driving, the first action you should take is to pump the brake pedal rapidly. This technique can help create enough pressure in the brake lines to regain partial braking function, potentially allowing you to slow down the vehicle. By pumping the brakes, you might be able to activate the residual brake pressure, which could help you slow down safely and reach a stop.

Turning off the engine may cut power to other systems, such as power steering, making the situation more difficult to control. Pulling over immediately could be risky without any effective means to slow down the vehicle; doing so without adequate braking could lead to loss of control or even collision. Relying solely on the handbrake can be dangerous as it may lock up the rear wheels, causing skidding or loss of control. Therefore, pumping the brake pedal is the most immediate and effective response to brake failure in an emergency situation.