If you suffer a blowout while travelling on a road at high speed, is it advisable to press the brake pedal sharply?

Correct answer

No, braking should be gentle and progressive.

When a driver experiences a blowout in one of the tyres while travelling at high speed, the situation can be extremely dangerous and challenging. It is essential to follow certain guidelines to manage this emergency safely: Remain calm: The first and most important thing is to remain calm. A blowout can be frightening, but it is essential to keep a cool head in order to make rational and safe decisions. Hold the steering wheel firmly: Due to the blowout, the vehicle may suddenly deviate from its direction. To maintain control, you must hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and resist the temptation to turn it sharply. Do not release the accelerator sharply: Releasing the accelerator abruptly can cause the vehicle to lose stability. Instead, you should release the accelerator gradually to reduce speed in a controlled manner. Brake gently and progressively: The key here is to avoid braking sharply. Pressing the brake abruptly can increase the risk of losing control and skidding. Instead, apply the brakes gently and progressively, avoiding locking the wheels. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), allow the system to do its job.