What should you do first if a tire blows out while driving at 50 mph?

When a tire blows out while driving at a high speed, the initial reaction should be to stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed down. This approach helps to maintain control of the vehicle. Abrupt braking can cause the vehicle to skid or lose control entirely, especially if the blowout occurs on the front tire. By allowing the vehicle to coast and gradually slow down, the driver can maintain steering control, making it easier to safely bring the vehicle to a stop without further incident.

After maintaining control and allowing the vehicle to decelerate, the driver can then safely find a place to pull over and address the situation. This method reduces the risk of an emergency situation escalating, allowing time to calmly assess the best course of action after the initial issue has stabilized.