If your brakes fail while you are driving, you should NOT

Explanation

If your brakes fail, pump the brake pedal unless your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). Pumping might temporarily restore enough brake fluid pressure to slow or stop your vehicle. If your vehicle has ABS, just depress the brake pedal firmly and see if you start to slow down. Downshift into a lower gear. This will use the braking power of the engine to slow your vehicle. Apply the parking or emergency brake gradually, but be ready to release it if you start to skid. As a last resort, rub against something to slow you down. Try sideswiping the guard rail or driving onto a grassy area. Never allow a head-on collision. Head-on collisions are often fatal.