What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights flashing?

When an emergency vehicle approaches with its lights flashing, the correct course of action is to pull over to the right side of the road and stop. This action is crucial for a number of reasons. First, it provides a clear path for the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly, which can be vital in situations where time is of the essence, such as responding to medical emergencies or other urgent incidents.

Pulling over to the right also contributes to overall roadway safety. By stopping, you help prevent potential collisions not only with the emergency vehicle but also with other vehicles that may be reacting to the situation. Remaining in your lane or continuing to drive could impede the emergency vehicle's progress and increase the risk of accidents for all involved.

This guideline is reinforced by traffic laws, which generally require drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. Most jurisdictions specify that, when safe to do so, drivers should always move to the right and come to a complete stop when they see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens activated.