What should a driver do in the event of a tire blowout?

In the event of a tire blowout, the appropriate action for a driver is to ease off the gas and steer straight. This approach helps maintain control of the vehicle as it begins to lose speed. When a tire blows out, especially at high speeds, the vehicle can pull sharply in the direction of the blowout. By refraining from sudden braking or sharp steering, the driver minimizes the risk of losing control or causing the vehicle to skid.

Braking hard can lead to a loss of control or skidding, as it reverses the balance of the vehicle and overloads the remaining tires. Accelerating to regain control can exacerbate the situation, as it increases speed while the vehicle is unstable, which may lead to a potential rollover or crash. Making a sharp turn is also risky; it can lead to a loss of control, particularly because the vehicle's handling dynamics change considerably with a blown tire.

Overall, easing off the gas and steering straight is the safest and most effective way to handle a tire blowout, allowing the driver to safely slow down and pull over to a controlled stop.