When a flashing emergency vehicle approaches from behind, what should you do?

• A. Move to the right lane or shoulder and stop if safe, keeping the roadway clear for responders.
• B. Accelerate to create space for the emergency vehicle.
• C. Stop in the left lane to block the emergency vehicle.
• D. Stay in your lane and continue driving slowly.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to clear a path for responders by yielding to the emergency vehicle. When a flashing emergency vehicle is coming up behind you, the safest move is to pull toward the right edge of the road and stop if it’s safe, leaving the lane free for the responders. This creates an unobstructed route for them to reach the scene quickly and reduces the risk of a collision.

Moving to the right and stopping prevents blocking the maneuvering space the emergency vehicle needs and avoids forcing it to slow or dodge around stationary cars. In contrast, accelerating to create space can endanger you and others and may still block the path you’re supposed to give. Stopping in the left lane or staying in your lane and continuing slowly directly obstructs the emergency vehicle. If traffic won’t let you move to the right, slow down and stop as far right as you can, then re-enter traffic only after the vehicle has passed and the way is clear. After the emergency vehicle passes, proceed with caution.