What is the safest action if a tire blows out while riding?

Tire blowouts on motorcycles can be controllable if handled properly. Hold the handlebars firmly to maintain steering; ease off the throttle gradually rather than chopping it; avoid the brake on the affected wheel (rear brake if rear tire, front brake if front tire) because braking a tire that has lost air can cause loss of control; use light pressure on the unaffected wheel's brake to slow gradually; maintain a straight line of travel rather than steering aggressively; and bring the motorcycle to a controlled stop on the shoulder or in a safe location. The instinct to brake hard or swerve causes more crashes than the blowout itself. Practice mental rehearsal of the response in advance, since real reactions happen in a fraction of a second.