What should a driver do if their brakes fail?

In the event of brake failure, a driver should first ease off the gas pedal to reduce speed without creating additional momentum. Shifting to a lower gear helps slow the vehicle down through engine braking, which can assist in controlling the vehicle's speed without relying on hydraulic brakes. Pumping the brake pedal may help build up some brake pressure if the failure is a temporary issue. This combination of actions allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop safely, rather than panicking or making sudden, unsafe maneuvers.

The other options present less effective or safe responses. Immediately pulling over and turning off the engine can prevent the driver from effectively managing the vehicle's speed or using engine braking to gain control. Stomping down on the brake pedal continuously is likely to yield no results if the brakes have truly failed and could lead to loss of control. Activating hazard lights is a good idea for visibility, but without effective braking measures, simply slowing down or stopping may not be enough to prevent an accident.