In the event of a tire failure, what should the driver do first?

In the event of a tire failure, the first action a driver should take is to slow gradually and grip the wheel firmly. This approach allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle as it may begin to skid or pull to one side due to the loss of tire pressure or stability. Gradually reducing speed enables the driver to assess the situation and find a safe way to stop, rather than making sudden movements that could lead to loss of control or an accident.

Immediately braking hard can lead to skidding, especially if the tire failure causes a sudden loss of traction. Speeding up to regain control might give the illusion of stabilizing the vehicle, but it actually increases the risk of losing control. Turning the steering wheel sharply can also cause the vehicle to swerve uncontrollably, particularly if a tire has blown, making a slow and steady approach much safer.