Texas Driver's License Knowledge TestSafe Driving PracticesHard
A driver is experiencing a tire blowout while traveling at highway speed. What is the immediate and most critical action the driver should take?
- AQuickly steer hard towards the shoulder of the road.
- BGrip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight.
- CShift the vehicle into neutral and allow it to coast to a stop.
- DSlam on the brakes immediately to stop the vehicle.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight.
In a tire blowout, the vehicle will pull strongly to one side. The most critical action is to maintain control by gripping the steering wheel firmly and steering straight, while gradually easing off the accelerator to slow down. Sudden braking or sharp steering can lead to a loss of control.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Quick, hard steering can cause the vehicle to swerve violently, leading to a crash.
- C. Shifting to neutral removes engine braking, which can be useful for gradual deceleration, but the primary focus must be steering control.
- D. Slamming on the brakes with a blowout can cause a severe loss of control, especially at highway speeds.
Tire Blowout Response
If a tire blows out, grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight to maintain control. Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
- Vehicle pulls to one side.
- Firm grip on steering is crucial.
- Ease off accelerator, no sudden brakes.
Memory trick: Blowout: Grip, Ease, Steer straight, don't greet fate.