What immediate action should you take after experiencing a tire blowout?

After experiencing a tire blowout, the most effective immediate action is to slow down gradually. This is critical because a blowout can cause a sudden loss of control of the vehicle, and it is important to maintain steering control while reducing speed. Slowing down gradually allows you to bring the vehicle to a safe stop without making abrupt movements that could worsen the situation or lead to further loss of control.

In this scenario, simply shifting into neutral may not help in regaining control or managing the vehicle's speed effectively. Turning off the engine could also create hazards, as it would remove power steering and brakes, making it much harder to control the vehicle. Driving in a zigzag pattern is generally unsafe and can lead to losing control altogether. The primary goal during a blowout is to reduce speed and regain stability, making a gradual deceleration the best course of action.