If a tire blows out, what should you do?

When a tire blows out, the recommended action is to steer firmly and stay off the brakes. This approach is crucial because slamming on the brakes can cause loss of control of the vehicle. A blown tire can cause your vehicle to pull in the direction of the flat tire, and by maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel, you will be better equipped to keep the vehicle stable. Gradually reducing speed is the best course of action, allowing you to maintain control and steer the vehicle safely to a stop without swerving or risking further incidents.

The other choices involve actions that could exacerbate the situation. For instance, hitting the brakes hard and stopping quickly could lead to losing control, especially if the vehicle is at high speed or if the blowout occurs on a turn. Speeding up is counterproductive as it increases momentum and makes it harder to control the vehicle. Pulling over immediately might not be advisable in certain situations, such as if it's unsafe to do so, which is why maintaining control and finding a safe place to stop is prioritized.