What should a driver do when realizing a tire blowout while driving?
2 Answers
Firmly grip the steering wheel with both hands, try to prevent the steering wheel from turning on its own, and strive to keep the vehicle moving straight in its original direction. While maintaining control of the direction, quickly shift to a lower gear to utilize engine braking for slowing down the vehicle. Gradually decelerate and slowly pull over to the roadside. Promptly turn on the hazard warning lights and place warning signs to prevent collisions from vehicles behind. Avoid recklessly turning the steering wheel to change the direction of travel.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and have encountered several tire blowouts on the road. Once on the highway, I suddenly felt the car shaking violently and realized a tire had blown out. My first reaction was to firmly grip the steering wheel to keep the vehicle moving straight, absolutely avoiding slamming on the brakes, as that could cause the car to lose control and roll over. Then, I gradually eased off the accelerator, waiting for the speed to drop a bit before gently applying the brakes. This way, the tire bears less pressure, making it easier to stop smoothly. After pulling over to the emergency lane, I quickly turned on the hazard lights to warn others. Once out of the car, I immediately checked the tire damage—if the spare tire was usable, I changed it myself; otherwise, I called for roadside assistance. In daily life, I regularly check tire pressure and wear because preventing a blowout is far more important than dealing with one. Remember, staying calm is key—jerking the steering wheel or braking hard can lead to disaster.
