While driving your vehicle, you realize that the brakes have stopped working. Neither pumping the brake pedal nor applying firm pressure to it has helped. According to the Alabama Driver Manual, which of the following should you try next?

Explanation

According to the Alabama Driver Manual, if your vehicle's brakes have completely failed and don't respond to firm pressure (with ABS) or pumping (without ABS), apply the parking brake gradually, but be ready to release it if your vehicle starts to skid. You can also downshift into a lower gear, even with an automatic transmission. This will use the braking power of the engine to slow your vehicle. (Some other authorities recommend downshifting to slow you down before you try applying the parking brake.) You can turn off the engine to slow the vehicle. However, if your vehicle has power steering, you will lose power assist and will need to apply more force to the steering wheel. As a last resort ? although the Alabama Driver Manual doesn't mention it ? rub against something to slow you down. Try to sideswipe the guard rail, rub your wheels against a curb, or drive onto a grassy area even if your vehicle is damaged in the process. Never allow a head-on collision. Head-on collisions are often fatal.