Washington State Department Of Licensing Knowledge Practice Test

When brakes fail while driving, shifting into neutral and coasting to a stop is a recommended action. This maneuver removes the engine's resistance, allowing you to take control of the vehicle without the risk of accelerating. Coasting can help decrease speed gradually, giving you a better chance to bring the vehicle to a stop safely, ideally on the side of the road or in a safe location. It's also important to note that turning off the engine can cause loss of power steering and brakes altogether, making the vehicle more difficult to control. Pressing the gas pedal would accelerate the vehicle instead of slowing it down, which is contrary to what you want during a brake failure. Steering into oncoming traffic would create a dangerous situation for both the driver and others on the road. Thus, coasting to a stop is the most prudent and safest response in the event of brake failure.