A rear tire blows out, causing the bus to sway. What should you do?

When a rear tire blows out and causes the bus to sway, the priority is to maintain control of the vehicle. Gripping the steering wheel firmly is essential because it allows the driver to stabilize the bus against the natural tendency to veer or sway due to the loss of traction in the rear. Instead of applying the brakes immediately, which can exacerbate the swaying and potentially lead to loss of control, gently stepping on the accelerator helps counteract the tendency to spin out, allowing the driver to steer the bus back on a straight path. Once the bus is under control, the driver can then assess the situation before safely stopping the vehicle.

Maintaining control during such an emergency is crucial, as applying brakes too suddenly or aggressively can lead to a more severe loss of control, particularly with a rear tire failure. This is why maintaining some power to the rear wheels (if they're still functional) with the accelerator can be a helpful tactic. After regaining control, the driver can look for a safe spot to stop without endangering themselves or other road users.