How should a driver respond to a tire blowout while driving?

In the event of a tire blowout, a driver should hold the steering wheel firmly, avoid hard braking, and gradually slow down. This response is crucial because a blowout can cause the vehicle to veer unexpectedly due to the sudden loss of pressure in the tire. By maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel, the driver can better control the vehicle's trajectory as it may pull to one side.

Gradually slowing down allows the driver to reduce speed safely without causing additional loss of control. Hard braking can destabilize the vehicle, increasing the risk of a skid or a complete loss of control, especially if the blowout occurs on a busy road or at high speeds. It's essential to slow down in a controlled manner, ideally by easing off the accelerator and using gentle braking rather than abruptly stopping.

Accelerating to maintain control may seem like a tempting option, but it can lead to increased instability and make it more difficult to manage the vehicle during a blowout. Therefore, the recommended method is to slow down steadily while maintaining control of the steering. This approach significantly improves safety for the driver and other road users.