What should you do if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

Answer: B — Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to safety

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, the best response is to grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to safety. This action is crucial because a tire blowout often causes the vehicle to pull to one side, and maintaining a firm grip helps to better control the vehicle during this sudden loss of tire pressure. Easing off the gas instead of slamming on the brakes allows the car to slow down gradually, which prevents the risk of losing control further. Steering to safety refers to guiding the vehicle toward a safe area, such as the shoulder of the road or a parking lot, where you can stop safely without blocking traffic. This approach minimizes the risk of collisions and ensures that you can assess the situation and react accordingly after the vehicle has come to a stop. Other options, such as driving faster to regain control, applying the brakes immediately, or steering sharply, can lead to loss of control and increase the chances of an accident. Each of these could exacerbate the situation, making it vital to follow the recommended procedure for handling a tire blowout effectively.