In the event of a tire blowout, what is the recommended action?

In the event of a tire blowout, the best course of action is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight. This approach helps regain control of the vehicle without making sudden movements that could lead to skidding or loss of control. When a tire blows out, the vehicle can pull in the direction of the blown tire, and steering straight allows you to maintain stability as you slow down. Gradually decelerating gives you more control and helps you steer safely to the side of the road once you are at a manageable speed.

Braking hard can destabilize the vehicle, especially if it is a rear tire blowout, and could lead to an accident. Rapidly accelerating is dangerous as it increases speed when you should actually be slowing down. Turning on hazard lights is an important safety measure to alert other drivers after you've managed the immediate situation, but it should not be your first action during the blowout itself. Managing the vehicle's speed and direction is critical in ensuring your safety.