What should you do first if your brakes fail?

If your brakes fail while driving, the first step you should take is to pump the brake pedal. This action can sometimes build up pressure in the brake system, which might help slow the vehicle down or bring it to a stop. Pumping the brake pedal can be particularly effective if the brake fluid has not completely leaked out or if there’s still some partial braking capability available.

By attempting to pump the brakes, you may regain enough braking power to slow your vehicle and assess your next moves. This technique provides the opportunity to react and find a safer way to manage the situation.

Addressing other measures, turning on your hazard lights is an important safety step to alert other drivers, but it does not directly address the critical need to stop or slow your vehicle. Steering towards the shoulder can be a useful tactic once you’ve done everything possible to slow down, and accelerating to pull over would not be advisable in an emergency where stopping is crucial. Therefore, pumping the brakes is the most immediate and most effective action to attempt first in the event of brake failure.