Practice question

What should you do if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

  1. Immediately slam on the brakes
  2. Hold the steering wheel firmly and steer straight
  3. Accelerate to maintain control
  4. Pull over without signaling

Answer: B — Hold the steering wheel firmly and steer straight

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, the most appropriate action is to hold the steering wheel firmly and steer straight. This maneuver is crucial because a blowout can cause the vehicle to swerve. By maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel and keeping the vehicle going straight, you help to stabilize the car and avoid losing control, which could lead to a more serious accident. Steering straight allows the vehicle to slow down gradually as the tire loses air pressure, rather than jerking the steering wheel, which could result in swerving into another lane or off the road. Once you have control of the vehicle and have safely slowed down, you can then look for a suitable place to pull over. This method emphasizes maintaining control rather than reacting impulsively, which is key to ensuring your safety during such an unexpected situation.

Practice more: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test →