If you experience a tire blowout, what should you do?

Answer: B — Hold the steering wheel firmly and avoid braking suddenly

When a tire blowout occurs, the most important action is to maintain control of the vehicle. Holding the steering wheel firmly is vital because a blowout can cause the vehicle to swerve unexpectedly. By avoiding sudden braking, you reduce the risk of losing further control, which can lead to a more dangerous situation, such as rolling over or veering off the road. Instead, you should gradually slow down while keeping both hands firmly on the wheel, allowing you to safely steer the vehicle until you can come to a stop in a safe location. In contrast, braking immediately or suddenly could destabilize the vehicle, particularly if the blowout occurs on the front tires, leading to a swift and uncontrolled swerve. Turning on hazard lights is a good practice after you've managed to control and bring your vehicle to a stop, but it is not the immediate response to the blowout itself. Accelerating would further compromise control, making the situation even more perilous. Thus, the best response in the event of a tire blowout is to hold the steering wheel steadily and avoid sudden maneuvers.