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Here are the steps to follow when you find yourself in a sticky road situation:

1.     Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first instinct when your brakes fail on the road might be fear. However, it’s crucial to stay calm. Panicking can cloud your judgment, causing you to make hasty or incorrect decisions. Instead, take a deep breath and assess the severity of the situation.

• Is the brake pedal firm but ineffective, or is it sinking to the floor with no resistance?
• How fast are you driving?
• Are you on a highway, city street, or rural road?
• Are there other vehicles nearby? 
• Are there any obstacles in your path?

Assessing the situation will help you decide your next course of action.

2.     Warn Other Drivers

Other drivers on the road might not be aware of your situation, making it even more dangerous. So, immediately alert them to prevent additional accidents and give yourself room to maneuver safely. 

Here’s what to do:

• Turn on Hazard Lights: As soon as you realize your brakes have failed, turn on your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that something is wrong.
• Use the Horn: If you’re in heavy traffic or approaching an intersection, use your horn to alert others. A continuous honk can warn drivers and pedestrians of the impending danger.
• Hand Signals: If possible, use hand signals to communicate with nearby drivers. This is particularly necessary if your vehicle’s electrical systems have also failed.

3.     Carefully Engage the Emergency Brake

The emergency brake, or the parking brake, operates independently of the main brake system. It can help bring your car to a stop if the primary brakes fail. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Gradual Engagement: Slowly engage the emergency brake by pulling up on the lever or pressing the button. Sudden engagement can cause the wheels to lock up, leading to a skid.
• Feel for Resistance: As you engage the emergency brake, feel for resistance. If the car starts to slow down, maintain the pressure until you come to a complete stop.
• Avoid Full Lock: If you feel the wheels starting to lock, ease off slightly to maintain control of the vehicle.

4.     Downshift into a Lower Gear

If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, downshifting can help reduce speed. In an automatic vehicle, most modern cars allow you to select lower gears manually.

Here’s how downshifting can help:

• Manual Transmission: Gradually downshift to lower gears, one gear at a time. This will increase engine resistance and slow the vehicle.
• Automatic Transmission: Use the gear selector to shift into a lower gear, such as “L” (Low) or “2” (Second Gear). This will also increase engine braking.

Note: Avoid downshifting too quickly, as this can cause the engine to over-rev and lose control.

5.     Pump the Brakes

If your brakes have partially failed or if the failure is due to a loss of hydraulic pressure, pumping the brakes might help. Quickly press and release the brake pedal several times. This action can build up enough pressure in the brake lines to restore some braking power and give you enough control to slow down and stop the vehicle.

6.     Safely Get off the Road

Your main focus should be getting off the road as safely as possible. Look for an open space or a flat area where you can steer your vehicle to a stop. Avoid driving into traffic or trying to navigate through narrow spaces. 

7.     Turn Off the Engine 

Once you’ve stopped your vehicle safely, turn off the engine. This prevents the car from accelerating unexpectedly. However, only do this after you’ve brought the vehicle to a safe and complete stop, as turning off the engine can disable power steering and make the vehicle harder to control.

8.     Signal for Help

After coming to a stop, make sure your vehicle is visible to other drivers. Keep your hazard lights on, set reflective triangles if you have them, and call for roadside assistance or emergency services. If you have a cell phone, this is the time to use it to get help.

9.     Get Your Brakes Inspected by a Professional

Once you’re safe, have your brakes inspected by a professional mechanic. Even if you manage to stop the vehicle without an accident, the cause of the brake failure needs to be identified and repaired before you drive again. 

Brake failures can result from various issues, including worn brake pads, a leak in the brake fluid, or a malfunction in the braking system. A thorough inspection will ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.