When I see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens while I am driving, what should I do?
State law, and common sense, dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left, whenever possible, when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if you car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves.


If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided highway.


Do not tailgate, draft, or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, but you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

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1. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?
2. Why do fire trucks respond to motor vehicle accidents?
3. Why does the fire department respond to medical emergencies and not just paramedics?
4. Why do fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through red lights at intersections and after they go through they turn off their lights and slow down?
5. When I see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens while I am driving, what should I do?
6. Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside a building? It seems that they are causing more damage than the fire.