What should you do if your tire blows out while driving?

When a tire blows out while driving, the safest reaction is to gradually slow down and pull to a safe area. This approach allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle, as immediately applying the brakes can lead to losing control and potentially causing an accident.

By gradually reducing speed, the driver can assess the situation more clearly and decide on the best location to stop, ideally away from traffic. Finding a safe area, such as a parking lot or the shoulder of the road, minimizes the risk of being struck by other vehicles and provides a safer environment for managing the aftermath of the blowout.

Turning on hazard lights is a prudent step in alerting other drivers but should follow the decision to safely pull over. Stopping right where the blowout occurs can create hazards for both the driver and other road users, while steering towards the nearest exit may not always be feasible or safe depending on the vehicle's condition and surrounding traffic.