How should you respond to a tire blowout while driving?

When experiencing a tire blowout, the safest and most effective response is to gradually ease off the accelerator while keeping the steering wheel straight and pulling over to a safe location. This approach allows you to maintain control of the vehicle, as sudden braking or sharp steering can lead to loss of control, potentially causing a more severe accident.

Gradually easing off the accelerator helps to slow the vehicle down in a controlled manner, which is essential when dealing with a blowout. Maintaining a straight line with the steering wheel prevents the vehicle from veering off in an unintended direction, which can happen if you react too abruptly. Once the vehicle has slowed to a safe speed, you can then look for a suitable place to pull over safely, away from traffic.

In contrast, options that suggest sharp maneuvers or immediate braking can increase the risk of losing control during a blowout. Additionally, accelerating may worsen the situation by shifting weight onto the remaining tires, making the handling unpredictable. Shifting into neutral can disengage the engine power but does not address the need to maintain control or safely stop the vehicle.