If your brakes "fail," what is one of the first actions you should take?

When you experience brake failure, one of the first actions to take is to pump the brake pedal. By pumping the brake pedal, you can potentially build up hydraulic pressure in the braking system, which may help restore some braking power. In some situations, this tactic could enable you to slow down or stop the vehicle more effectively, particularly if the brake failure is due to a momentary loss of pressure rather than complete brake failure.

It's important to remember that while pumping the brakes can occasionally help, if the brakes have failed entirely, this may not be sufficient to stop the vehicle. At that point, engaging the emergency brake and steering to a safe location become critical steps.