What is an important first step when negotiating a blown tire?

When negotiating a blown tire, the most important first step is to concentrate on steering the vehicle back under control. A blown tire can create an unexpected situation that may cause the driver to lose control, and maintaining control of the steering is crucial for safely guiding the vehicle and preventing further accidents.

Proper steering allows the driver to stabilize the vehicle while assessing the circumstances, which can help determine the best course of action following the tire blowout. This focus on control can prevent swerving or making hasty movements that might escalate the situation, such as hitting another vehicle or veering off the road.

While checking mirrors and braking may seem important, they can be secondary to actually regaining control. Speeding up is counterintuitive; it can worsen the situation and lead to loss of control. Hence, steering effectively becomes the priority to ensure safety during this emergency scenario.