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

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, the correct course of action is to gradually slow down and steer to a safe area. This response is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle. A tire blowout can cause the vehicle to swerve or become difficult to handle; therefore, it is important to keep a steady, controlled grip on the steering wheel.

Gradually reducing speed allows the driver to avoid losing control and minimizes the risk of further incidents. Once the vehicle has slowed down, the driver can safely find a suitable area to pull over, such as a shoulder or a parking lot, away from traffic. This method ensures the safety of both the driver and other road users.

In contrast, immediately steering left or stopping abruptly can lead to a loss of control, resulting in swerving into another lane or even flipping the vehicle. Speeding up in such a situation is also dangerous because it can exacerbate the loss of control and increase the risk of an accident. Thus, a calm and deliberate response is essential when faced with a tire blowout.