What action should you take if an emergency vehicle is approaching with sirens on?

When an emergency vehicle is approaching with sirens activated, the appropriate action to take is to pull over to the right side of the road and stop. This action is critical for a few reasons. First, it allows the emergency vehicle—such as an ambulance, fire truck, or police car—to pass safely and quickly without impediment. These vehicles often need to reach a scene of urgency, and any delay can have serious consequences for public safety.

By stopping to the right, you not only give way to the emergency vehicle but also contribute to an organized and safe road environment. Other drivers are likely to observe your actions, reinforcing a collective protocol for handling such situations. This behavior is consistent with traffic laws, which generally require motorists to yield to emergency vehicles in response to flashing lights and sirens.

In contrast, accelerating in an attempt to get out of the way can create an unpredictable environment on the road and lead to potential accidents. Continuing to drive in your lane doesn’t provide the emergency vehicle with enough space to maneuver safely. Simply turning on hazard lights without stopping fails to comply with the necessary actions for yielding to emergency vehicles.