How do you handle a tire blowout?

Handling a tire blowout effectively is crucial for maintaining vehicle control and ensuring safety on the road. The correct approach is to gradually take your foot off the accelerator and steer straight. This technique allows your vehicle to slow down naturally without causing a sudden shift in weight or losing control.

When a tire blowout occurs, the immediate instinct might be to react sharply, but doing so can lead to oversteering, which can severely compromise control of the vehicle. Stepping off the accelerator gently reduces speed while keeping the steering steady helps maintain control, allowing the driver to guide the vehicle safely to the shoulder or a safe location. This method allows for a controlled deceleration, thereby reducing the risk of swerving or skidding, which can result in further accidents.

The other choices represent less effective strategies. Quickly turning the steering wheel does not allow for a controlled response and may cause the vehicle to tip or skid. Pumping the brakes continuously can lead to a loss of traction, putting the driver at greater risk. Pulling over immediately without assessing the conditions may not be safe, especially if there are no safe areas to stop or if it's dangerous to do so.