Which of the following is not an appropriate action to take if a vehicle's brakes fail?

• A. Shift to a lower gear
• B. Turn off the ignition
• C. Try to pump the brakes
• D. Steer to a safe area away from traffic

Answer: (B)

Turning off the ignition is not an appropriate action to take if a vehicle's brakes fail because it can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle. When the ignition is turned off, the power-assisted steering and braking systems may become ineffective, making it more difficult to steer or manage the vehicle. This action could increase the risk of an accident as the driver loses not only the capacity to brake but also the ability to maneuver the vehicle effectively.

In contrast, shifting to a lower gear can help slow the vehicle down through engine braking, and trying to pump the brakes may restore some braking pressure if the failure is due to air in the brake line or a similar issue. Steering to a safe area away from traffic is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of both the driver and others on the road.