How should you respond to a tire blowout while driving?

When a tire blowout occurs, the most effective response is to hold the steering wheel firmly and gradually slow down. This approach allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, as a sudden reaction or overcorrection can lead to losing control and possibly causing an accident. By keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, the driver can stabilize the vehicle despite the loss of tire pressure.

Gradual deceleration is crucial because braking hard can destabilize the vehicle further, especially if the blowout affects a front tire. Gradually slowing down gives the driver time to assess the situation and find a safe place to come to a stop without risking additional danger on the road.

In contrast, accelerating to maintain speed after a blowout can exacerbate the situation and make it harder to control the vehicle; steering sharply to the right could lead to an even more dangerous scenario, potentially swerving into other lanes or off the road; and pulling over immediately might not always be safe if the blowout occurs on a busy roadway or a location with insufficient space to do so safely.