If your tire blows out while driving, what should you do?

• A. Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to a safe area; brake gently.
• B. Slam on the brakes immediately.
• C. Keep driving and ignore the problem.
• D. Stop in the lane and call for help.

Answer: (A)

A tire blowout requires keeping control and moving to a safe place. Hold the steering wheel firmly to prevent a sudden swerve, ease off the gas to slow gradually, and steer toward a safe area off the roadway. Brake gently once you’re under control to avoid a loss of control or a skid. Slamming the brakes can cause you to lose traction, continuing to drive on a damaged tire is dangerous, and stopping in the middle of a lane creates a new hazard for you and other drivers. If possible, pull onto the shoulder or a turnout and call for help after you’re safely stopped.