How should you handle a tire blowout while riding?

Answer: B — Keep a firm grip and gradually slow down

When experiencing a tire blowout while riding a motorcycle, maintaining control and stability is crucial for safety. Gradually slowing down while keeping a firm grip on the handlebars helps to maintain balance. This approach allows the rider to assess the situation without making any sudden movements that could lead to loss of control. In the case of a blowout, the motorcycle will tend to pull towards the side of the blown tire. A firm grip will help the rider counteracting this pull, while gradually reducing speed gives time to react appropriately. This method minimizes the risk of an accident by keeping the motorcycle stable rather than causing the rider to become unbalanced or lose control due to abrupt actions. Other options, such as accelerating, could exacerbate the situation by making it harder to maintain control. Steering aggressively could cause the motorcycle to tip over or skid, leading to potentially dangerous situations. Panicking can disrupt a rider's ability to think clearly and execute necessary safety measures effectively. Therefore, the approach of keeping a firm grip and gradually slowing down is the safest and most effective response to a tire blowout.