Texas Defensive Driving Written Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the Texas Defensive Driving Written Test. Boost your confidence with our comprehensive practice quizzes and detailed solutions. Get ready to ace your exam with our expertly crafted materials!

Practice this question and more.

What is the safest way to handle a tire blowout?

Gradually slow down and steer to a safe area
Immediately slam on the brakes
Steer sharply to the right
Accelerate to stabilize the vehicle

The correct answer is: Gradually slow down and steer to a safe area

Gradually slowing down and steering to a safe area is the safest way to handle a tire blowout because it allows for better control of the vehicle during a sudden and potentially frightening situation. A blowout can cause the vehicle to pull to one side due to the loss of air pressure, so maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel while gently decelerating helps stabilize the vehicle. This method minimizes the risk of losing control and allows the driver to safely navigate the vehicle to the side of the road away from traffic, reducing the chance of further incidents. In contrast, immediately slamming on the brakes can cause the vehicle to skid or lose further control, leading to an accident. Steering sharply to the right can result in a loss of control or a rollover, especially at higher speeds. Accelerating in the event of a blowout can destabilize the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident as it may exacerbate the pulling motion from the tire that has lost pressure. Thus, gradually slowing down and finding a safe area to stop is the most effective and controlled response.