When a tire blowout occurs, the first thing you should do?

• A. Brake abruptly
• B. Focus on steering
• C. Move to the shoulder
• D. Steer away from traffic

Answer: (B)

When a tire blowout happens, your first priority is to keep the vehicle under control by staying in your lane. A blowout can pull the car toward the flat tire, so you should grip the wheel firmly and steer smoothly to maintain a straight path. Braking abruptly can cause loss of control, and moving to the shoulder or steering away from traffic without first regaining control can put you at greater risk. By focusing on steering and keeping the car moving in a straight line, you reduce the chance of a dangerous swerve. Once you’re stable, ease off the accelerator, brake gradually if needed, and then pull over safely when you can.