If you experience a tire blowout, what is the best course of action?

When experiencing a tire blowout, the best response is to keep the vehicle going straight and gradually slow down. This approach helps maintain control of the vehicle, which can become more challenging when a tire loses air pressure suddenly.

During a blowout, particularly on the front tires, the vehicle may pull sharply to one side. However, instead of reacting with sudden movements, which could cause a loss of control, it is vital to remain calm and steer straight. Gradually easing off the accelerator allows the vehicle to slow down smoothly without creating additional stress that can lead to swerving or rolling over. Once the vehicle has slowed down enough, the driver can safely move to the shoulder of the road to stop.

Immediate harsh actions like braking suddenly or turning sharply can result in a bigger loss of control, potentially causing a more serious accident. Thus, the recommended strategy prioritizes stability and safety over quick cessation of speed.