You are driving on a city street and see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights behind you. What should you do?
Answers
Drive to the right edge of the road and slow down.
Drive to the right edge of the road and stop.
Stay in your lane, slow down, and let it pass.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Drive to the right edge of the road and stop.
Explanation:
When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights behind you, such as a police car, ambulance, or fire truck, it is important to take immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone on the road, including the emergency responders, other drivers, and pedestrians. The key actions you should take include:
- Drive to the right edge of the road: This is the first step when you see an emergency vehicle approaching from behind with its lights flashing. By moving to the right side of the road, you create a clear path for the emergency vehicle to pass safely. In some cases, depending on the number of lanes and the specific road conditions, this may mean moving onto the shoulder or into a parking lane.
- Stop safely: After you’ve moved to the right side, you should come to a complete stop. Stopping is crucial because it allows the emergency vehicle to pass without any obstacles. It also prevents you from inadvertently causing a hazard by moving forward or pulling into the path of the emergency vehicle.
- Do not block intersections or crosswalks: If you’re driving in an area with intersections or crosswalks, make sure you don’t block them. This could prevent the emergency vehicle from navigating through the area or could put pedestrians in danger. You should stop before the intersection, if possible, to leave it clear.
- Wait until the emergency vehicle has passed: Only resume driving once the emergency vehicle has passed completely, or once it is safe to do so. Sometimes, you may need to stay stopped for several moments, especially if there are other emergency vehicles following the first one.
By following these steps, you are not only complying with traffic laws but also helping to facilitate a quicker response from emergency services, which could be critical in saving lives. Remember, this applies whether the emergency vehicle is coming from behind or from an adjacent lane.