What is the correct action to take if you experience a tire blowout while driving?

When you experience a tire blowout, holding your steering wheel firmly and steering to the shoulder is the appropriate response. This action helps maintain control of the vehicle, as a sudden loss of steering control can make the vehicle difficult to handle. By firmly gripping the wheel, you can better manage any lateral movement and guide the vehicle safely off the road.

Steering to the shoulder allows you to exit the lane of traffic, minimizing the risk of an accident. It is crucial to perform this maneuver gradually rather than making any abrupt movements that could lead to losing control. Once in a safe area, you can assess the situation and decide whether to stop and change the tire or call for roadside assistance.

In contrast, accelerating to regain control could exacerbate the situation, making the vehicle harder to handle during a blowout. Braking immediately is not advisable because it can lead to loss of control as well, and continuing to drive with hazard lights on is not safe as it doesn't address the immediate problem and risks you further compromising your safety on the road.