Several years ago, I had a tire blowout going 55 MPH on the highway. I learned a lot about what to do and what NOT to do in this emergency situation.

(1) Don't panic! Sounds simple, right? Well, it wasn't. I was terrified and so I gripped the wheel firmly (fortunately this was the right thing to do).

(2) DO NOT SLAM ON YOUR BRAKES! This is a knee-jerk reaction, but not doing it saved my life! Depending on how fast you are going, slamming on your brakes can cause your car to go completely out of control.

(3) If you are on the highway, immediately put on your emergency flashers to alert other drivers of trouble and work your way to the side of the road.

(4) Alert yourself to your surroundings and make sure your car is completely off the side of the road. I actually ended up in a ditch (right side up!).

(5) Don't turn off your emergency flashers until help arrives. My cell phone was working and I immediately called AAA. I stayed in my car until help arrived. DO NOT get out of your car (especially on a busy highway!).

(6) Never attempt to change a tire on a busy road (wait for help to arrive). Most importantly, be patient!

Having a blowout is a frightening experience, but keeping calm and staying in my car until help arrived, saved my life.

Learn more about this author, C. Kay Rowley.
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