What is the recommended action if a tire blows out while driving?

When a tire blows out while driving, the safest and most recommended action is to steer straight and slowly reduce speed. When a blowout occurs, the vehicle can suddenly pull to one side due to the loss of pressure in that tire. By maintaining control of the steering wheel and keeping the vehicle going straight, the driver can stabilize the vehicle's trajectory, avoiding any sharp turns that could lead to a loss of control or an accident.

Gradually reducing speed is essential; it allows the driver to avoid a sudden stop which could also cause skidding or losing control. Slowing down gently gives the driver time to assess the situation and find a safe area to pull off the road.

In contrast, immediately hitting the brakes hard can cause the vehicle to skid, making it difficult to control. Changing lanes quickly may disrupt the flow of traffic and pose a danger to other drivers. Speeding up to regain control may seem intuitive, but it can exacerbate the situation, leading to a greater loss of control as the driver is combating the pull from the blown tire.