How should a driver respond to a brake failure?

When faced with a brake failure, the appropriate response is to pump the brakes to try to build up hydraulic pressure, downshift to a lower gear to utilize engine braking, and if necessary, use the emergency brake as a last resort to slow the vehicle down safely.

Pumping the brakes may help regain some braking ability if the issue is due to a temporary loss of brake pressure. Downshifting engages the engine to help slow the vehicle, which is particularly important in maintaining control. The emergency brake can then be used, but it's crucial to engage it gradually to prevent skidding or loss of vehicle control.

This approach allows for a systematic way of managing the situation, prioritizing vehicle control and safety over simply stopping at high speed without the ability to effectively manage the vehicle. Other responses, such as turning off the engine, would lead to a total loss of function and control, applying steady pressure on the brakes could worsen the situation if there's no response, and pulling over without trying to control the vehicle may not be practical in every scenario.