If brake failure occurs, what is one method to slow down?

Shifting to a lower gear is a crucial technique to slow down a vehicle in the event of brake failure. When you downshift, the engine helps to decelerate the car due to engine braking, which occurs when the engine is forced to work harder to maintain speed. This process effectively reduces the vehicle's speed without relying solely on the brakes, allowing the driver to maintain some control over the situation.

Turning on hazard lights is important for alerting other drivers to your situation, but it does not help slow down the vehicle. Using cruise control would be counterproductive since it maintains speed rather than slowing down, and calling for help does not provide an immediate solution to the need to reduce speed. Therefore, downshifting becomes a vital skill in managing brake failure effectively.