What should you do if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, it is crucial to remain calm and focused. The best course of action is to hold the steering wheel firmly and gradually slow down. This approach allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle. During a tire blowout, the vehicle may pull to one side, so keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel helps to manage this tendency while you decelerate.

Gradual slowing is also essential because a sudden brake can lead to loss of control or skidding, which can be particularly dangerous in such a situation. By easing off the accelerator instead of slamming on the brakes, the driver reduces the risk of further destabilizing the vehicle. Once the vehicle is under control and has slowed sufficiently, the driver can find a safe location to pull over and assess the situation.

The other methods typically increase the risk of losing control or making the situation worse, which is why maintaining control through a gradual slowdown is the recommended action.