What is one of the first actions to take if a tire blows out while driving?

When a tire blows out while driving, maintaining control of the vehicle and gradually slowing down is crucial for safety. This action allows the driver to stabilize the vehicle and avoid losing control, which can happen if abrupt movements are made. Gradually slowing down helps in safely steering the vehicle to a safe location away from traffic or hazards.

Additionally, if a driver tries to hit the brakes hard, it can cause the vehicle to skid or flip, especially if the blowout occurs on a front tire. Similarly, turning the vehicle off immediately could lead to a loss of steering control as well, since power steering may be compromised. Shifting into neutral can also be confusing during this emergency, as it does not aid in maintaining control or slowing down effectively. Thus, the best practice is to focus on maintaining control and gradually decelerating to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.