How should a driver handle a tire blowout?

Answer: B — Stay calm and grip the steering wheel tightly

When a driver experiences a tire blowout, staying calm and gripping the steering wheel tightly is crucial. This action allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, preventing swerving or losing stability, which can lead to a more dangerous situation. Staying calm enables the driver to think clearly and react appropriately rather than panicking and making sudden movements that could exacerbate the situation. Gripping the steering wheel firmly helps to ensure that the driver can manage the car's trajectory as the blowout occurs. In a blowout, it's natural for the vehicle to veer towards the side of the affected tire, so maintaining a strong grip assists in counteracting that pull and keeping the vehicle on a straight path. The importance of this approach cannot be overstated—driver response is key in moments of vehicle distress, and a measured reaction often leads to safer outcomes. Other strategies, like signaling and gradually reducing speed, can follow this initial handling of the blowout once control has been stabilized.