How should you react to a tire blowout while driving?

When experiencing a tire blowout, holding the steering wheel steady and gradually slowing down is the correct response. This method allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, as a sudden jerk of the steering wheel can cause skidding or loss of control, especially if the blowout occurs on the front tires. Gradually reducing speed is advisable because braking hard can unbalance the vehicle, making it more difficult to handle. Maintaining a steady grip on the wheel enables the driver to steer the vehicle safely to a stop at the roadside.

In contrast, options such as yanking the steering wheel or applying the brakes immediately could lead to an even more dangerous situation, as these actions can result in swerving or losing control. Accelerating is also ill-advised since it would exacerbate control issues after a blowout. Therefore, the safest response is to hold the steering wheel steady and reduce speed smoothly, allowing for a controlled stop.