Brake-by-wire systems are becoming more common thanks to their compact packaging and ability to manage electrified cars’ regenerative braking systems.

Brake-by-wire systems insert electronics into the mechanism. In a car with brake-by-wire, pressing the brake pedal sends a signal to a brake control unit that then actuates the brakes.

A lot of new cars are ditching old school hydraulic brakes in favor of brake-by-wire systems. What happens if these systems fail while on the move?