How should you handle a tire blowout while driving?

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, the best course of action is to gradually slow down and steer straight. This approach is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle. A tire blowout can lead to sudden loss of control, and steering straight helps the driver to keep the vehicle stable and prevent it from swerving.

Gradually reducing speed allows the driver to decelerate without causing further instability. Slamming on the brakes or making abrupt turns can exacerbate the situation, leading to a risk of losing control entirely. Therefore, maintaining a straight path while controlling the speed gives the driver a better chance to safely bring the vehicle to a stop in a controlled manner.

In contrast, stopping immediately can lead to instability, especially if done abruptly, as the vehicle may skid or tip over. Accelerating to maintain control is counterintuitive, as increasing speed can make it harder to manage the vehicle during a blowout. Turning sharply can lead to a loss of control, making the situation even more dangerous. Thus, the approach of gradually slowing down and steering straight proves to be the most effective way to handle a tire blowout.