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

When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, the appropriate action is to pull over and stop until the vehicle passes. This behavior is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, emergency vehicles often respond to urgent calls and need to navigate through traffic quickly to reach their destination, such as an accident or a medical emergency. Stopping and pulling over ensures that these vehicles have a clear path. It also shows respect for the important work that first responders do and helps maintain safety for both them and the public.

Additionally, traffic laws typically require drivers to yield to emergency vehicles when their lights are activated, regardless of the direction the emergency vehicle is coming from. Not pulling over can obstruct their path and may lead to legal consequences, as well as dangerous situations if an emergency vehicle cannot reach those in need in a timely manner.

In contrast, fleeing the scene, continuing at a normal speed, or stopping only if the vehicle is approaching can create unsafe conditions. These actions can impede the emergency vehicle's ability to respond effectively, put other drivers at risk, and violate traffic laws regarding yielding to emergency apparatus.