What should you do if you see an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing?

When you see an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, the appropriate action is to pull over to the right and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. This response is crucial for several reasons. It creates a clear path for emergency responders who may need to reach an incident quickly, which could potentially save lives. By stopping, you avoid endangering both yourself and the emergency personnel, as well as other drivers on the road.

Additionally, this action aligns with the laws that govern the behavior of drivers when encountering emergency vehicles. Many states have specific statutes requiring drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles, emphasizing the importance of immediate compliance with this directive.

Other options could result in dangerous situations. For instance, speeding up could increase the risk of an accident, especially if other drivers are also reacting to the situation. Continuing to drive normally may obstruct the emergency vehicle's path, which could delay their response. Driving in the opposite direction could create confusion and hazards for oncoming traffic and the emergency vehicle itself.