If your brakes fail while driving, what should you do first?

When faced with brake failure while driving, the first action you should take is to pump the brakes and shift to a lower gear. Pumping the brakes can sometimes build up enough hydraulic pressure to restore partial braking power, allowing you to regain some control of your vehicle. Shifting to a lower gear also helps to slow down the vehicle by using engine braking, which can further assist in reducing your speed and bringing the car to a stop safely.

Taking this initial step can give you precious moments to assess the situation and find a way to stop the vehicle in a controlled manner, such as steering to a safe area.

Turning on your hazard lights, though important for alerting other drivers, is a secondary step that should follow your immediate action to slow down and regain control. Similarly, steering off the road or applying the emergency brake can be necessary as part of your overall strategy but may not be the most effective immediate response to brake failure. These actions can become crucial once you have attempted to regain some control and reduce speed.