55.27. What should you do first in the event of a tire blowout?
UAЩо в першу чергу потрібно зробити в разі пробиття одного з коліс?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in emergency and unusual situations, when technical failure sharply increases the risk of losing control. A tire blowout while driving can cause the car to veer to the side, increase the braking distance, and create danger for other road users, so the correct sequence of actions in the first seconds directly affects both the result in the theoretical exam and real safety on the road.
The question tests knowledge of the sections of the traffic rules regarding forced stops and driver actions in case of danger: the obligation to immediately reduce speed up to a stop, safely change the direction of movement, stop mainly on the shoulder or near the right edge, as well as correctly mark the vehicle with hazard warning lights and, if necessary, an emergency stop sign. This sequence is logical: first, maintain control (hold the steering wheel firmly), then slow down in a controlled manner and remove the car from the roadway, after which warn others about the forced stop.
Analysis of the answer options shows that contacting a service company is not a primary action: a phone call does not eliminate the danger here and now and distracts from driving, so such options are incorrect as an initial step. The only correct approach within the traffic rules is controlled braking without sharp maneuvers, maintaining trajectory, safely pulling over to the right, and mandatory marking of the forced stop so that other drivers can see the obstacle in time and react.
Clause 1.10 (term "Forced stop")
Forced stop — cessation of movement of a vehicle due to its technical condition or danger that has arisen on the road, or due to an obstacle, or the condition of the driver or passenger (cargo), which makes it impossible to continue moving.
Clause 12.3
In case of danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Clause 10.1
Before starting to move, changing lanes, or making any change in direction, the driver must make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users.
Clause 15.1
Stopping and parking of vehicles are allowed on the right side of the road on the shoulder, and in its absence or if it is impossible to stop on it — on the carriageway near its right edge.
Clause 9.9
The hazard warning lights must be switched on in the event of a forced stop on the road.
Clause 9.10
The emergency stop sign or a flashing red lantern must be set up in the event of a forced stop on the road (taking into account the requirements regarding distance and visibility conditions) to timely warn other road users.
That is, the correct answer is: "Apply braking and, firmly holding the steering wheel, pull over to the shoulder and turn on the hazard warning lights, and if necessary, set up the emergency stop sign," considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a tire puncture is a technical reason for a forced stop; in case of danger, you must immediately reduce speed up to stopping, stop preferably on the shoulder/near the right edge of the carriageway, and be sure to mark the vehicle with hazard warning lights and, if necessary, an emergency stop sign to warn other road users.
A tire blowout while driving creates a risk of sudden loss of vehicle stability: the car may pull to the side, the braking distance increases, and there is a danger of leaving your lane. Therefore, the driver’s primary task in such a situation is to maintain control and avoid sharp deviations from the trajectory.
The most important action in the first seconds is to firmly hold the steering wheel with both hands and keep the vehicle within the lane. Sudden maneuvers or jerking the steering wheel can provoke a skid, especially if the front tire is blown. At the same time, you should start slowing down: brake in a way that does not lose control over the direction of movement, avoiding sudden jerks.
When the speed is reduced and the vehicle is stable, you must safely pull over to the shoulder, that is, remove the vehicle from the roadway so as not to create an obstacle for others. Next, according to the traffic rules requirements for marking a forced stop, you need to turn on the hazard warning lights, and if necessary, additionally mark the stop location with an emergency stop sign to warn other road users in advance.
For example, if a tire blows out during overtaking or on a multi-lane road, the first action is to keep the vehicle straight, smoothly reduce speed, and only after stabilization, without abrupt lane changes, return to a safe position and pull over to the right. If the blowout occurs in your own lane, the algorithm is the same: control the steering wheel, controlled braking, pull over to the shoulder, and mark the forced stop.
Therefore, the correct answer is: "Apply braking and, firmly holding the steering wheel, pull over to the shoulder and turn on the hazard warning lights; if necessary, set up the emergency stop sign," since this allows you to maintain control of the vehicle, safely remove it from the roadway, and properly mark the forced stop for other road users.