What is an effective strategy to recover from a tire blowout?

Steering gently toward the shoulder is an effective strategy when recovering from a tire blowout because it allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle. A blowout can cause a sudden and severe loss of control, and by gently steering, the driver can guide the vehicle to a safer location without making abrupt movements that could exacerbate the situation. This gradual approach minimizes the risk of losing traction or overturning the vehicle during the recovery process. Once on the shoulder or a safe area, the driver can then assess the situation and safely come to a stop.

In contrast, making quick turns can lead to instability and further loss of control, while braking sharply can cause the vehicle to skid, especially if one tire has lost pressure suddenly. Accelerating to maintain momentum may seem counterintuitive as it could make handling more difficult and increase the risk of an accident. Hence, steering gently toward the shoulder is the safest and most effective response to a tire blowout.