Ask a Trooper: What to do in case of equipment failure

Q: We have a new driver in the house. I was trying to explain to my child what to do if you have a tire blowout or experience steering failure. It might mean a bit more coming from a State Trooper. Could you please explain? Thank you for all you do.

A: A “blowout” is a burst tire that can throw your vehicle out of control. Before a blowout occurs, you may hear a thumping sound or notice the steering wheel pulling to the right or left.

If you experience a blowout, hold the steering wheel tightly, steer straight ahead, and slowly ease your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake until the vehicle is back under your control. Pull the vehicle completely off the road at the nearest safe location.

When it comes to steering failure, if the front wheels of your vehicle do not respond when you turn the steering wheel, ease up on the accelerator. Do not brake unless it is necessary to avoid a crash. Your vehicle may balance on its own and travel in a straight path as you reduce speed.

If you must apply the brake, do so gently. If you brake suddenly, or try to shift gears, the change in speed may throw the vehicle off balance and out of control.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).