What action should you take if your brakes fail?

If your brakes fail, the proper course of action is to shift to a lower gear, gently apply the emergency brake, and steer to a safe area. This approach is effective for regaining some control over the vehicle's speed and direction. Shifting to a lower gear helps slow the vehicle down by utilizing engine braking. When you apply the emergency brake, doing so gently is crucial to avoid locking up the wheels and losing control. By steering toward a safe area, you can prevent an accident and protect both yourself and others on the road.

The other actions suggested would not effectively address the situation. For instance, shifting to a higher gear while continuing to drive would not help in reducing the speed of the vehicle and could lead to further complications. Using hazard lights while driving slowly may alert others about your situation, but it does not solve the immediate problem of the brakes failing. Finally, doing nothing and hoping to reach a stop light is extremely risky, as it greatly increases the likelihood of an accident.