What should you do if your brakes fail?

When faced with brake failure, the most prudent course of action is to pump the brakes to build up brake pressure if there is any residual braking capability left. Next, downshifting to a lower gear can help reduce the speed of the vehicle through engine braking, which can be particularly effective in controlling the vehicle when the brakes are not functioning. All the while, looking for a safe place to stop is crucial. This could involve steering towards a clear area away from traffic, which reduces the risk of an accident and allows for a safe stop.

The other options may not effectively address the situation. Pulling over immediately might not consider the best path to safety; simply pulling over can endanger the driver and others if done unsafely. Applying the emergency brake and steering into a ditch, while it might stop the vehicle, could lead to an abrupt and potentially dangerous stop. Continuing to drive until reaching a destination is extremely unsafe, as it places both the driver and others on the road at significant risk due to the inability to stop the vehicle safely. Therefore, option A provides a comprehensive and effective approach to handling brake failure.