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

When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, the appropriate response is to pull over to the right and stop. This action provides a clear path for the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly to reach its destination, thereby facilitating the important work of first responders.

Slowing down or stopping helps ensure both your safety and the safety of emergency personnel on the scene. It allows you to remain aware of your surroundings and prevents potential collisions. In many jurisdictions, there are laws that mandate drivers yield the right of way to emergency vehicles, and failing to do so could result in penalties.

While speeding up to get out of their way may seem intuitive, it can actually create dangerous situations, not only for the speeding driver but also for the emergency personnel responding to an urgent situation. Continuing to travel at the same speed disregards the presence of the emergency vehicle and can obstruct critical assistance. Waving the vehicle past could lead to confusion or create a hazardous situation if it is not clear how to maneuver safely. Thus, stopping to the right is the safest choice under these circumstances.