Practice question

What should you do if your tire blows out while driving?

  1. Brake hard immediately
  2. Lift your foot off the gas and steer straight until you can safely pull over
  3. Try to turn the wheel sharply to regain control
  4. Accelerate to control the situation

Answer: B — Lift your foot off the gas and steer straight until you can safely pull over

When a tire blows out while driving, the safest response is to lift your foot off the gas and steer straight until you can safely pull over. This approach helps maintain control of the vehicle. By easing off the accelerator, you are allowing the vehicle to slow down gradually, rather than causing a sudden change in speed that could lead to loss of control. Steering straight is crucial because it minimizes the risk of overreacting, which can happen with sharp turns. When a front tire blows out, turning the wheel sharply can lead to skidding or rolling, increasing the danger for yourself and others on the road. Choosing to safely and calmly guide the vehicle to the side of the road where you can stop is the best practice, allowing you to deal with the situation without causing an accident. The other options either encourage unsafe actions or can worsen the scenario, which is why they are not ideal in this situation.

Practice more: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Driver's Ed Practice Exam →