What action should you take if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, the most appropriate action is to keep a steady grip on the steering wheel and gradually slow down. This response helps maintain vehicle control, which is crucial during such a sudden and potentially dangerous situation. By holding the steering wheel firmly, the driver can prevent the vehicle from swerving or veering off course, which is a common reaction to the sudden loss of tire pressure.

Gradually slowing down is essential because slamming on the brakes could cause the vehicle to lose stability or skid, particularly if the blowout occurs on the front tires. Instead, a controlled deceleration allows the driver to safely bring the vehicle to a stop in a calm manner. Once the speed has decreased sufficiently, the driver can navigate to a safe location off the road to assess the situation and take further action, such as changing the tire or calling for assistance.

Choosing any other action, such as braking sharply or turning the wheel abruptly, can lead to loss of control and possibly result in an accident. Additionally, speeding up is not a safe choice, as it does not address the issue of the blowout and can exacerbate the risk involved.