When a tire blowout occurs in a vehicle combination, it's critical to maintain control of the vehicle to ensure safety for yourself and others on the road. The proper response involves staying calm, which allows you to think clearly and take the right action. Gradually slowing down is essential because sudden actions, such as hard braking or swerving, can lead to loss of control and potentially cause an accident. Maintaining control while reducing speed helps you steer the vehicle safely to the side of the road without abrupt movements that can destabilize the combination. It's important to avoid accelerating in response to the blowout, as this could exacerbate the situation and lead to more dangerous outcomes. Instead, a measured approach ensures you can bring the vehicle to a stop safely and respond appropriately once stopped. Shifting into neutral or immediately pulling over can also have their risks in an emergency situation, particularly if they cause an abrupt change in speed or momentum that can be hard to manage while dealing with a blowout. Hence, the recommended approach focuses on maintaining control and practicing gradual deceleration.