What is the proper response if you experience a tire blowout?

What is the proper response if you experience a tire blowout?

• A. Slam the brakes
• B. Accelerate to regain control
• C. Stop in the lane
• D. Hold the steering wheel steady, ease off the gas, slow gradually, and pull to a safe location; use hazard lights

Answer: (D)

When a tire blows out, your first goal is to stay in control and get to a safe spot off the road. The blowout can make the car pull or wobble, so you should keep the steering wheel steady, ease off the gas to slow smoothly, and then brake slowly or coast to a gradual stop at a safe location. Once you’re off the roadway, pull to the side and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. This approach prevents sudden loss of control that can come from hard braking or aggressive steering, and it avoids stopping in traffic where you and others could be endangered. Slamming the brakes, trying to accelerate to “regain” control, or stopping in the lane would increase the risk of a crash.

When a tire blows out, your first goal is to stay in control and get to a safe spot off the road. The blowout can make the car pull or wobble, so you should keep the steering wheel steady, ease off the gas to slow smoothly, and then brake slowly or coast to a gradual stop at a safe location. Once you’re off the roadway, pull to the side and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. This approach prevents sudden loss of control that can come from hard braking or aggressive steering, and it avoids stopping in traffic where you and others could be endangered. Slamming the brakes, trying to accelerate to “regain” control, or stopping in the lane would increase the risk of a crash.