What should a driver do when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens activated?

When an emergency vehicle approaches with its lights and sirens activated, the appropriate action for a driver is to pull to the right and stop. This maneuver is crucial for several reasons. First, it provides a clear path for the emergency vehicle to pass without obstruction, allowing it to respond to situations quickly and effectively. Stopping ensures that the driver is safely positioned and minimizes the risk of accidents, as moving vehicles can create hazardous conditions both for the driver and the emergency responders.

Additionally, pulling to the right is a common traffic protocol universally recognized and followed across many jurisdictions. This collective understanding by all drivers enhances road safety when emergency vehicles are on the scene. Remaining stationary until the emergency vehicle has passed is also an important safety measure, as it prevents confusion and ensures that other drivers know how to react in the presence of emergency responders.

Maintaining current speed and lane or signaling without taking the correct action can impede the emergency vehicle's progress and create dangerous situations on the road. Speeding up to clear the way can lead to unexpected collisions, while not moving at all can block the path of the responding unit entirely. Therefore, pulling to the right and stopping is the safest and most responsible action a driver can take in this scenario.