How should you handle a tire blowout?

Handling a tire blowout properly is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle and ensuring safety. When a tire blows out, the best practice is to grasp the steering wheel firmly and gradually reduce speed. This approach allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle as it may veer to one side due to the loss of tire pressure. By reducing speed gradually, the driver can safely maneuver the vehicle towards a stable area or the shoulder of the road.

The control gained by firmly gripping the steering wheel helps to prevent abrupt movements that could lead to a loss of control or an accident. This method also minimizes the risk of panic, allowing the driver to focus on safely stopping the vehicle rather than reacting impulsively.

In contrast, abruptly slamming the brakes can cause the vehicle to skid or roll over, particularly if the blowout occurs on a rear tire. Steering into traffic is highly dangerous and could lead to an accident, as it puts the vehicle in the path of other cars. Similarly, stopping abruptly and turning on hazard lights without a gradual speed reduction could result in a loss of control, especially on highways or busy roads.

Overall, managing a tire blowout with a calm and methodical approach by reducing speed gradually is key to ensuring both the driver's safety