If a tire suddenly blows out while driving, what is the recommended action?

When a tire suddenly blows out while driving, the recommended action is to grasp the steering wheel firmly and take your foot off the accelerator. This is crucial because when a tire blowout occurs, the vehicle can experience a sudden loss of control, often pulling to one side. By firmly holding the steering wheel, you maintain better control of the vehicle, allowing you to counteract any unwanted steering that results from the blowout.

Taking your foot off the accelerator helps slow the vehicle down gradually rather than causing an abrupt stop, which could lead to further loss of control. This approach enables you to guide the vehicle safely to the side of the road without panicking, an essential reaction that helps prevent accidents or colliding with obstacles.

It's important to avoid actions like pumping the brakes rapidly, since this can create an unstable situation and increase the chance of skidding or losing control. Likewise, braking hard and steering toward the right edge of the roadway might not always be safe, especially if other vehicles are nearby. Immediately pulling over to the left side of the road can also be dangerous, particularly if there is oncoming traffic. These alternatives can lead to unsafe situations compared to the recommended approach of maintaining control and gradually slowing down.