Practice question

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

  1. Brake hard immediately
  2. Steer straight and gradually slow down
  3. Speed up to regain control
  4. Pull over into traffic

Answer: B — Steer straight and gradually slow down

When a tire blows out while you're driving, the safest course of action is to steer straight while gradually slowing down. This approach is vital because a blowout can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, and hard braking can exacerbate loss of control. By maintaining a straight direction, you help manage the vehicle's stability and minimize any sudden loss of control. Gradually reducing your speed allows you to maintain better control, as opposed to an abrupt stop, which could lead to skidding or potentially causing an accident with other vehicles. It's also important to keep the steering steady until the vehicle comes to a complete stop in a safe location, away from active traffic. Handling a blowout in this manner enhances both your safety and that of others on the road, allowing you to pull over safely to assess the situation and change the tire if needed.

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