North Carolina Drivers Ed Practice Exam

If your brakes fail, shifting to a lower gear and pumping the brakes is a critical response because it helps to utilize the engine's natural resistance to slow down the vehicle. By downshifting, you can reduce your speed gradually, as the lower gear increases engine braking, slowing the car more effectively. Pumping the brakes could also help restore some braking power if there's residual pressure in the brake lines or if they're electronically controlled. This method allows the driver to have better control over the vehicle while attempting to bring it to a stop safely. Choosing to immediately pull over and stop may not be practical if you're on a busy road or highway, where it could create a hazardous situation. Using the emergency brake without downshifting could lead to a loss of control, as it may cause the rear wheels to lock up if applied too abruptly. Accelerating to gain control is not a safe option when brakes fail; it would likely lead to higher speeds and increase the risk of a collision.