If you lose your brakes, what can you attempt to do?

Using the emergency brake is an appropriate action to attempt if you lose your brakes. The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is designed to provide additional stopping power and can help bring the vehicle to a stop in the event of brake failure. It operates independently from the main braking system and can engage the rear wheels, which can assist in slowing down the vehicle.

It's important to engage the emergency brake gradually to avoid locking up the wheels, which could lead to loss of control. While it might not bring the vehicle to an immediate halt, it can significantly reduce speed and help the driver regain control.

The other options, while they may seem viable in a panic situation, could potentially lead to more dangerous outcomes. For instance, crashing into a soft barrier could result in injuries or damage while trying to save a situation that may be handled more effectively with the emergency brake. Turning off the engine can disable crucial systems like power steering and braking assistance, making the situation harder to manage. Pumping the brake pedal might not be effective if the brake fluid has completely leaked or the brake line has failed. Therefore, using the emergency brake is the most logical and safest option in the scenario of brake failure.