What should you do if you experience a tire blowout?

When you experience a tire blowout, the most appropriate action is to hold on to the steering wheel and slow down. This technique is critical because a blowout can cause the vehicle to pull sharply to one side, and maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel allows you to steer the vehicle safely while it is losing speed. Gradually reducing your speed helps prevent loss of control and allows you to bring the vehicle to a stop in a safe manner.

When faced with a sudden blowout, it's important to remain calm and avoid overreacting. Accelerating quickly might seem instinctive for regaining control, but it can actually worsen the situation and lead to a loss of control. Pulling over immediately without managing the speed can increase the risk of skidding or rolling and could lead to a dangerous situation. Turning off the vehicle may not be advisable right away; it’s better first to control the speed before doing any significant maneuvers like shutting off the engine.

Understanding these responses helps ensure safety when dealing with unexpected situations on the road, reflecting the appropriate steps to safely manage a tire blowout.