Tennessee Permit Practice Test

How should you handle a tire blowout while driving?

1. Accelerate to regain control

2. Hold the steering wheel steady, brake gently, and pull off the road

3. Shift into neutral and coast to a stop

4. Brake hard and steer to the nearest exit

The correct answer is: Hold the steering wheel steady, brake gently, and pull off the road

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, the correct response is to hold the steering wheel steady, brake gently, and pull off the road. This method helps maintain control over the vehicle and prevents it from swerving or spinning out. The key action is to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, which allows for better handling as the vehicle may tend to pull to one side due to the loss of tire pressure. Braking gently is crucial, as sudden or hard braking could cause the vehicle to lose traction and increase the risk of an accident. Once you've effectively reduced your speed, you should safely maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic, where you can assess the situation without the added stress of motor vehicles passing by. Other options, such as accelerating to regain control or shifting into neutral to coast to a stop, can lead to loss of control or reduced directional steering capabilities, leaving the driver more vulnerable in a hazardous situation. Similarly, braking hard and steering abruptly to the nearest exit can create a dangerous scenario, increasing the likelihood of skidding or losing control entirely. Therefore, the best approach involves careful handling and controlled movements to safely manage the aftermath of a tire blowout.