If your brake pedal sticks to the floor, what should you immediately try to do first?

When the brake pedal sticks to the floor, the first action you should take is to pump the pedal in an attempt to unstick it. Pumping the brake pedal rapidly can sometimes restore the brake’s ability to function by increasing hydraulic pressure and allowing it to regain its normal operation. This technique relies on creating movement in the brake system that might resolve any temporary blockage or malfunction that is preventing the brakes from engaging properly.

While other actions like pulling on the emergency brake or shifting into neutral can also be effective in a situation where brakes fail, these are often considered secondary responses after attempting to resolve the immediate issue with the brake pedal first. Turning on hazard lights serves as a way to alert other drivers of your situation but does not address the braking issue directly. Focusing on attempting to declog or unstick the brake pedaling mechanism takes precedence in this critical scenario.