Manitoba Airbrake Practice Exam

What should a driver do if experiencing brake failure while driving?

1. Accelerate to regain control

2. Use the emergency brake and downshift

3. Turn off the ignition

4. Steer into a roadside ditch

The correct answer is: Use the emergency brake and downshift

When experiencing brake failure while driving, utilizing the emergency brake and downshifting is the most effective response. The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is specifically designed to provide additional stopping power, allowing the driver to slow the vehicle down in a controlled manner. This method helps to prevent a complete loss of control, especially on downhill grades where conventional brakes may fail. Downshifting is also critical in this situation as it allows the vehicle to decelerate through engine braking. By shifting to lower gears, the engine can help slow the vehicle down, which is a crucial technique for regaining energy control when the brake system is compromised. The other choices do not provide safe or practical solutions. Accelerating could further increase speed and impede the driver's ability to regain control of the vehicle. Turning off the ignition can cause the steering to lock, making the vehicle harder to maneuver. Steering into a roadside ditch may lead to additional hazards and potential injury rather than providing a safe method of stopping. Thus, the combination of using the emergency brake and downshifting provides a structured approach to address brake failure effectively.