Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Practice Exam

The appropriate procedure for handling a tire blowout involves staying calm, maintaining control of the vehicle, and steering straight to allow for a gradual and safe stop. When a blowout occurs, the vehicle can feel unstable, and it's common for drivers to instinctively react by swerving or sharply turning the steering wheel. However, such reactions can lead to loss of control and may result in an accident.

By steering straight and gently applying the brakes, the driver can keep the vehicle stable, reducing the risk of further hazards. This method allows for a controlled deceleration, enabling the driver to find a safe location to pull over once they have slowed down sufficiently.

Additionally, trying to accelerate or make sudden turns can exacerbate the situation, increasing the risk of skidding or rolling over. Therefore, maintaining a calm demeanor and controlling the vehicle by driving straight until safely stopped is the safest approach in the event of a tire blowout.