AAA Driver Improvement Practice Exam – Practice Test & Study Guide

Maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel and slowing down is the safest way to handle a blowout while driving. When a blowout occurs, the immediate reaction should be to stabilize the vehicle. Gripping the steering wheel firmly helps you maintain control, preventing the car from veering off to one side. It is essential to avoid overcorrecting, which can lead to loss of control.

Reducing speed gradually allows you to come to a stop safely without causing further destabilization of the vehicle. It's important to avoid abrupt actions, such as slamming on the brakes, which can cause the vehicle to tip or skid, leading to a more dangerous situation. Once the vehicle has slowed down, the driver can steer it to a safe location off the road.

In contrast, options like accelerating might create a more unstable situation, and coasting in neutral could reduce control since the driver would not be able to apply engine braking. Therefore, maintaining control and gradually reducing speed is critical for safely managing a blowout.