What should you do if your brakes are not responding when you press the pedal?

When facing a situation where the brakes are not responding, stopping the vehicle safely and inspecting the air brake system is crucial. The air brake system is essential for controlling the speed and stopping distance of large vehicles, and any failure in this system can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

By stopping the vehicle safely, you can evaluate the state of the brake system to determine if there is an issue such as air loss, a leak, or mechanical failure. This proactive approach helps prevent potential accidents that could result from continued attempts to use faulty brakes. Inspecting the air brake system allows for necessary repairs or adjustments to be made before resuming driving.

Other approaches, such as continuing to apply pressure, coasting to a stop, or speeding up, could further complicate matters, making it harder to maintain control of the vehicle and potentially leading to a crash. Therefore, taking the time to inspect the braking system after it shows signs of failure is the best practice for ensuring safety on the road.