What action should you take if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

Answer: B — Gradually slow down and steer straight to a safe area off the road

Experiencing a tire blowout can be a frightening situation while driving, but knowing the correct action to take is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring safety. Gradually slowing down while steering straight allows you to keep the vehicle stable. This approach helps to prevent a loss of control that can occur if the driver reacts too sharply or erratically, such as by turning sharply or accelerating, which can lead to further instability. Steering straight allows you to let the vehicle come to a controlled stop, ideally in a safe area away from the flow of traffic. Once you have slowed down and maneuvered the vehicle safely off the road, you can then assess the situation and take the necessary steps, such as changing the tire or calling for assistance. This method helps to minimize risk and is a fundamental part of safe driving practices in emergency situations.