If a front tire blows out at highway speed, what should you do first?

A front tire blowout at speed causes a sudden, strong pull toward the side of the failed tire. The correct response is to grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands and counter-steer just enough to maintain your lane. Stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed considerably; braking with a front blowout intensifies the pull and can cause loss of control. Let the vehicle decelerate naturally and only when speed is well below highway speed, gently apply brakes and pull onto the shoulder. Sharp steering or panic braking will likely cause a rollover or jackknife. The same principle applies to a rear tire blowout: maintain steering, ease off the throttle, and stop on the shoulder. Practice the response mentally so you do not panic when it happens.