How should you handle a tire blowout while driving?

Answer: A — Grip the steering wheel firmly, slow down gradually, and steer to safety

Handling a tire blowout while driving requires a calm and controlled response to maintain safety. The best approach is to grip the steering wheel firmly, which helps retain control of the vehicle as it may start to swerve due to the blowout. Gradually slowing down is crucial because sudden braking can cause the vehicle to become unstable, increasing the risk of losing control. Steering to safety means guiding the vehicle towards a safe area, such as the shoulder of the road, rather than making abrupt maneuvers that could lead to accidents. The other choices involve actions that could exacerbate the situation. Pulling over immediately without controlling the vehicle’s speed can lead to a crash if the car is traveling very fast at the time of the blowout. Braking suddenly is dangerous as it can lead to loss of vehicle control. Steering in the opposite direction of the blowout can cause the vehicle to spin out or tip over, creating a hazardous situation. Therefore, the recommended response is to maintain control and gradually navigate to a safe location.