If a tire suddenly blows out while you are driving, you should:
Answers
Grip the steering wheel firmly, slow down, and exit the traffic lane.
Pump the brakes rapidly.
Brake hard and steer toward the right edge of the roadway.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Grip the steering wheel firmly, slow down, and exit the traffic lane.
When a tire blows out while driving, it can cause a sudden and alarming loss of control. The proper response is to maintain control of the vehicle by following a series of steps:
- Grip the steering wheel firmly: After a blowout, the vehicle will likely swerve or pull toward the side of the blown tire. It’s essential to keep both hands firmly on the wheel to maintain control and prevent the car from drifting into traffic or off the road.
- Slow down gradually: Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause the car to lose more control, especially if the blowout happens on the rear tires. Instead, ease off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow down naturally. Reducing speed gradually is key to maintaining stability.
- Exit the traffic lane: Once you have slowed down, carefully steer the vehicle toward the shoulder of the road or a safe, clear area away from traffic. It is important to leave the active lanes of traffic to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
While it may seem intuitive to brake hard, this can exacerbate the situation by destabilizing the car, especially if the blowout occurs at high speeds or on one of the rear tires. Pumping the brakes rapidly is also incorrect, as it could cause the vehicle to lose stability and lead to a more dangerous situation.
In summary, the key actions are maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel, slowing down gradually, and pulling over safely. Once you are on the shoulder, activate your hazard lights and assess the situation. If you’re unable to fix the tire yourself, call for roadside assistance.