What is the appropriate action if the brakes fail while driving?

When brakes fail while driving, the most appropriate action is to safely steer the bus to the side of the road and come to a controlled stop. This action prioritizes the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. By steering to the side of the road, the driver can avoid potential collisions with other vehicles and minimize risks. A controlled stop allows the driver to utilize other techniques that may help slow the vehicle down, such as downshifting or using the emergency brake if necessary.

In contrast, immediately abandoning the bus and evacuating can cause panic among passengers and might lead to injury or confusion, especially if the bus is in motion. Accelerating to gain more momentum is dangerous, as it compromises control and increases the likelihood of a serious accident. Turning off the engine may stall the bus, but it does not address the immediate need to stop the vehicle, and stalling could lead to more dangerous scenarios on a busy road.