Incidents, accidents and emergencies
Your footbrake suddenly stops working as you drive. What is the best way to slow down and stop?
- Steer off the road into a wall as fast as possible
- Change down through the gears and use the handbrake gentlyCorrect
- Switch off the engine and coast in neutral
- Take both hands off the wheel and brace yourself
Why?
Driving – the essential skills advises that if your brakes fail you should change down to a lower gear so engine braking slows the car, pump the footbrake in case it recovers, and apply the parking (hand) brake gently and progressively. Look for an escape route or an uphill road to help you stop.
Highway Code rule DES