What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, the correct approach involves a series of actions that maximize your chances of safely stopping the vehicle. Pumping the brake pedal can help build pressure back into the brake system if the failure is due to air in the lines or a minor leak. Shifting to a lower gear allows you to utilize engine braking, which can help slow down the vehicle without relying solely on the brake system. Finally, the emergency brake acts as a last resort; it should be used carefully to avoid locking the rear wheels, which could lead to a loss of control.

This combination of actions prepares you for various situations in which brake failure might occur and ensures that you handle the emergency effectively. The other options, while action-oriented, could lead to dangerous outcomes and do not address the problem of controlling and stopping the vehicle safely.