What should a driver do if the brakes fail while driving at high speed?

Brake failure is the most dangerous situation that drivers have to face because it can easily lead to panic when the car can no longer control its speed, especially when driving on a steep slope or at high speed. At that time, panic and loss of composure are one of the main causes that make the consequences more severe. So to avoid all dangerous situations when driving, drivers need to equip themselves with basic skills to escape.

Drivers need to stay calm when the car loses its brakes at high speed.

If you are unlucky enough to encounter a brake failure while driving at high speed, the first thing to remember is to always try to... stay calm. Panic and confusion will prevent the driver and passengers from handling the situation properly and will make the situation much worse.

Release the accelerator pedal and slowly shift to a lower gear when the vehicle loses its brakes.

Release the accelerator (for automatic cars) and shift down (for manual cars) to reduce maximum speed. However, avoid shifting too quickly or too low if the car is running at high speed or going downhill because it can destroy the transmission system, break the gearbox and cause complete loss of control. At this point, it will be difficult to control the situation and the only way is to fall into danger that cannot be handled.

Shift down and feel the speed to shift into the next gear appropriately.

Never turn off the engine as this will remove power steering, making steering more difficult. This will make the situation worse, especially at high speeds, as inertia will cause the vehicle to lose control.

Keep your eyes open and signal to other vehicles that you are having trouble.

To limit unfortunate consequences or endanger others, turn on your hazard lights, flash your headlights or use your horn to attract attention so that people know the danger. Open the windows to increase air resistance and make it easier to call for help.

Use speed reducer

If you are skillful, you can stop your car thanks to obstacles on the roadside such as eels, grass on the roadside, piles of straw, bushes, swamps, walls or even more crazy, you can plunge into a pond, lake, river (if you can swim), a field or crash into a cliff.

Signal to other vehicles

Turn on hazard lights, flash your headlights, or use your horn to alert others to the danger. Open a window to increase wind resistance and make it easier to call for help.

Swing if possible

If there is enough space, swerve from left to right and vice versa to increase drag and thus slow down. However, do not do this at high speed as it may cause the car to flip.

Use handbrake to drive safely

The handbrake, also known as the emergency brake or parking brake, is often used to stop the car, although it takes longer because it only affects the rear wheels. When operating, it is important to pull gently, slowly but with enough force. If you pull too hard or too quickly, the wheels may lock, causing slipping and loss of control. Remember to hold the release knob, and release the handbrake immediately when you see the car losing control.

Regular vehicle maintenance to avoid problems

Finally, "prevention is better than cure", minimize the risk of falling into the above situation by always maintaining, checking periodically and practicing the habit of driving at a moderate speed that you can control.