How should you respond to a tire blowout while driving?

Maintaining control of the vehicle and gradually slowing down to a stop is the safest and most effective response to a tire blowout. When a tire blows out, the vehicle may pull to one side; this is a result of the sudden loss of air pressure which can cause instability. Instead of braking hard or swerving, which could lead to loss of control or a rollover, the best course of action is to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and gently ease off the accelerator. Gradually decelerating allows the driver to maintain control and bring the vehicle to a safe and controlled stop. Once the vehicle is moving at a slower speed, the driver can find a safe place to pull over and assess the situation.

In contrast, hard braking can cause the vehicle to skid or lose balance, swerving can lead to collisions with other vehicles or obstacles, and accelerating risks making the situation more dangerous by further complicating steering control. Thus, the answer emphasizes the importance of a calm and composed reaction during unexpected situations like a tire blowout.