How do you handle a tire blowout if driving on the freeway?

Handling a tire blowout while driving on the freeway requires a calm and measured response to maintain control of the vehicle. The correct approach is to avoid sudden movements and steer straight until you can pull over safely. This is important because a blowout can cause the vehicle to swerve or become unstable, particularly if the driver overcompensates with abrupt steering or braking.

By maintaining a steady grip on the steering wheel and guiding the vehicle in a straight line, you reduce the risk of losing control. Gradually reducing speed, without slamming on the brakes, allows for a safer deceleration and gives the driver time to evaluate a safe area to pull over. The goal is to minimize any erratic maneuvers that could lead to a further loss of control or accidents.

In contrast, immediately slamming on the brakes can lead to dangerous situations, such as losing control of the vehicle or causing it to skid. Steering sharply can also contribute to instability, and quickly accelerating offers no real benefit in this situation and can further complicate control of the vehicle. Therefore, the most sensible option to ensure safety during a tire blowout is to steer straight and slow down carefully until you can exit the roadway safely.