Massachusetts Fines and Limits Permit Practice Test

What should you do if you experience a flat tire or blowout while driving?

1. Accelerate quickly to regain control

2. Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel

3. Steer sharply to the side of the road

4. Pull over immediately regardless of traffic

The correct answer is: Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel

When you experience a flat tire or blowout while driving, maintaining a tight grip on the steering wheel is crucial. This action helps you to maintain control of the vehicle as it may pull in the direction of the flat tire. By keeping a firm hold on the steering wheel, you can better manage your vehicle's trajectory and prevent erratic movements, which could lead to loss of control over your vehicle. It's important to note that while it may be instinctive to accelerate or steer sharply, these responses can exacerbate the situation or contribute to further instability. The key is to remain calm and control the vehicle gradually. Making a sudden turn or pulling over immediately without assessing the environment can also be dangerous, especially if traffic is heavy or if you are on a crowded road. Instead, after regaining control, the best practice would be to look for a safe area to pull over, ideally away from moving traffic, to inspect the damage and change the tire if needed.