What should you do if your vehicle's brakes fail while driving?

When faced with brake failure while driving, utilizing the emergency brake gradually is the appropriate response. The emergency brake, also known as the handbrake, is designed to provide a backup stopping mechanism. By engaging it slowly, you can reduce your speed safely without skidding or losing control of the vehicle. This controlled use of the emergency brake allows you to stop the vehicle effectively while maintaining some stability in the vehicle's handling.

In contrast, other options such as accelerating to gain momentum would lead to increased speed and make it much harder to control the vehicle. Shutting off the engine immediately can cause you to lose power steering and power brakes, making it challenging to steer or stop. Turning the steering wheel sharply could result in losing control, especially at high speeds. Therefore, using the emergency brake gradually is the most prudent choice to bring the vehicle safely to a stop in the event of brake failure.