What is the first action when a tire blows out while driving?

• A. Slam the brakes and steer hard.
• B. Pull over immediately without slowing.
• C. Turn on hazard lights and speed up.
• D. Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and gradually slow down while steering to a safe area.

Answer: (D)

When a tire blows out, the priority is to stay in control. The car may pull toward the flat tire and handling can suddenly change, so you want steady steering and smooth inputs. Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas gradually, and steer toward a safe area while slowing down slowly. This helps you maintain direction, reduces the risk of skidding, and gives you time to reach a safe spot off the road. Slamming the brakes and jerking the wheel can cause a loss of control, pulling over without slowing can leave you unsafe in traffic, and turning on hazards while speeding up doesn’t address the immediate need to stabilize and move to safety.