Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

What action must be taken if you experience brake failure on the highway?

1. Pump the brakes rapidly

2. Shift into a higher gear

3. Steer towards the shoulder

4. Use the emergency brakes immediately

The correct answer is: Steer towards the shoulder

When experiencing brake failure on the highway, steering towards the shoulder or a safe area is crucial to avoid potential accidents. This action helps guide your vehicle away from moving traffic and towards a space where you can regain control or come to a stop safely. By moving to the shoulder, you reduce the risk of colliding with other vehicles and provide yourself an opportunity to assess the situation without the immediate pressure of oncoming traffic. The other options may not be the best course of action during brake failure. Pumping the brakes rapidly might not be effective, especially if there's total failure, as it could lead to a loss of control. Shifting into a higher gear may not provide any meaningful assistance in slowing down the vehicle and could result in further complications if you need to decelerate quickly. Using emergency brakes can be dangerous if done abruptly at high speeds, potentially leading to loss of traction or skidding. Thus, safely steering toward the shoulder is the most effective way to handle brake failure under these circumstances.