When experiencing brake failure, the action of pumping the brake pedal hard and fast can sometimes build enough brake pressure to allow you to slow down or stop the vehicle. This technique can be effective, especially if the brake failure is due to a temporary loss of hydraulic pressure or air in the brake lines. Pumping the brake pedal may also activate the anti-lock braking system (ABS) if your vehicle is equipped with it, allowing for better control during braking attempts.
Other options, while they may seem viable, do not provide the immediate assistance needed in a brake failure situation. For example, shifting to a higher gear would not help in slowing down the vehicle; instead, it could lead to further loss of speed control. Applying the parking brake slowly is a tactic that requires careful handling, as sudden application can lock the rear wheels and cause a skid, making the situation worse. Rubbing tires on the curb is impractical and dangerous, as it could lead to losing control of the vehicle entirely.