What is the proper response during a tire blowout?

During a tire blowout, maintaining control of the vehicle is critical to ensuring safety for yourself and others on the road. The appropriate response is to keep a firm grip on the wheel and slow down gently. By doing so, you help maintain control as you reduce speed without making abrupt maneuvers that could lead to loss of control or further destabilization of the vehicle.

Slowing down gently allows the driver to safely decelerate while steering the vehicle in a straight line. This is particularly important because a sudden reaction, such as swerving or rapidly decelerating, can increase the risk of an accident or rollover. Once the vehicle is adequately slowed and control is regained, it can be safely guided to the side of the road to assess the situation.

In contrast, options like accelerating or stopping immediately in the lane can create additional hazards. Accelerating during a blowout can make handling the vehicle more difficult, increasing the risk of losing control. Shifting to Neutral and steering sharply can result in losing control of the vehicle, especially if the steering is overreacted, leading to further danger. Thus, the sound response of slowing down gently while keeping a firm grip on the wheel ensures a safer outcome in the event of a tire blowout.