What is the appropriate action to take if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

Experiencing a tire blowout can be a frightening situation, but knowing the correct response can help maintain control of the vehicle and enhance safety. Gradually easing off the accelerator and steering straight is the recommended action in this scenario because it allows you to maintain control without causing the vehicle to veer off course or spin out. The natural instinct might be to brake suddenly, but doing so can lead to loss of control and increase the risk of an accident.

By gently reducing speed, you allow the vehicle's handling to remain stable as it slows down. Steering straight keeps the vehicle moving in the intended direction, reducing the likelihood of swerving and losing control. This method enables you to come to a stop safely in a controlled manner, ideally on the shoulder or an area away from traffic.

Other actions, such as hard braking or suddenly steering sharply, can lead to hazardous situations, like skidding or flipping the vehicle. Accelerating in a blowout situation is also dangerous, as it can cause further instability and complicate the driver's ability to manage the vehicle. Thus, the correct response is to gradually ease off the accelerator and steer straight for optimal control and safety.