Your service brakes fail completely while moving and pumping the pedal builds no pressure. What is the next control to use, and how?

• A.Shift into reverse to stop the truck
• B.Steer into the nearest fixed object to stop quickly
• C.Pull the parking brake fully on in one hard yank and let go
• D.Apply the parking brake gradually, holding the release button or lever so you can ease off if the wheels lock

Why

The parking (spring) brake works independently of the service system, but slamming it on can lock the drive wheels and skid the truck sideways. Holding the release lets you meter that braking force the way the failed pedal no longer can.

Manual topic: Brake Failure - Emergency Stopping · From the General Knowledge practice bank (GK-236).

Practice this subject as a full test

More Brake Failure & Runaway Ramps questions

• Why should you look for an escape route or uphill area at the same time you are trying alternative braking?
• What does an arrester bed in a runaway ramp use to stop a truck, and how does it work?
• At what point should a driver whose brakes are overheating and fading on a grade decide to use the runaway ramp?
• What should you do with the steering as your truck enters the loose material of an arrester bed?
• On some mountain grades, what must you do at the brake check area near the summit before starting down?