What should drivers do if they encounter a tire blowout while driving?

When a driver encounters a tire blowout, the most appropriate action is to hold the steering wheel tightly and avoid braking hard. This response is crucial because a tire blowout can cause the vehicle to pull suddenly to one side, and maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle.

Braking hard in this situation can further destabilize the vehicle, leading to loss of control. Instead, drivers should stay calm and allow the vehicle to coast, gradually reducing speed without abrupt movements, which helps to safely guide the vehicle to the side of the road or a safe area away from traffic.

The other choices lead to unsafe practices. For instance, immediately pulling over and stopping can be dangerous if done abruptly, as it could cause further accidents. Driving faster would exacerbate control issues and pose extreme danger, while swerving to avoid an obstacle is typically not advisable; it can lead to losing control of the vehicle or causing a collision.