What is the first thing a driver should do if their brakes fail?

When a driver's brakes fail, the first step they should take is to pump the brake pedal and downshift to a lower gear. Pumping the brake pedal is an attempt to build up pressure in the brake system; this can sometimes restore enough braking power to slow down the vehicle. Downshifting to a lower gear helps to utilize engine braking, which can further slow the car down by making use of the engine's resistance as it tries to turn faster in a lower gear.

In contrast, turning off the engine can create additional challenges, such as losing power steering and making it harder to control the vehicle. Pulling the emergency brake immediately without considering other options can lead to skidding and loss of control, especially if used abruptly at high speeds. While steering towards the shoulder of the road is a wise action to ensure safety, it should be combined with efforts to slow the vehicle first. Thus, pumping the brakes and downshifting effectively prioritize regaining control of the vehicle in the event of brake failure.