When driving downhill, what is crucial to do if your brakes fail?

When driving downhill and experiencing brake failure, turning the wheels towards the curb is crucial as it can help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the traffic or into more dangerous areas. By directing the vehicle towards the curb, you can use the natural slope of the road to guide the car safely toward a ditch or obstacle that is less harmful, minimizing the risk of a severe accident.

This strategy plays a vital role in controlling the vehicle's trajectory and reducing potential injury to the driver and others on the road. It is an effective maneuver for coming to a stop in an emergency situation, as the curb serves as a barrier that can help slow the vehicle down or keep it from veering uncontrollably.

While using the emergency brake might be beneficial, it requires functioning emergency systems and can sometimes lead to skidding or loss of control if not applied correctly. Speeding up could escalate the danger of a crash, and turning towards the sidewalk would not provide the same protective benefit as directing the vehicle to the curb.