What should you do if an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens?

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens, the appropriate response is to pull over to the curb until it passes. This action allows the emergency vehicle to navigate through traffic quickly and safely, which is crucial in emergency situations where every second counts. By moving out of the way, you contribute to ensuring that the emergency personnel can reach their destination without unnecessary delays.

The act of pulling over to the side shows respect for the emergency services and adheres to traffic laws designed to protect everyone on the road. This is part of safe driving practices in order to prevent accidents and facilitate smooth passage for emergency responders.

Deciding to speed up or maintain speed hinders the emergency vehicle, possibly putting lives at risk and creating a hazardous situation for both the driver and surrounding motorists. Yielding only when directed by an officer is inappropriate, as emergency vehicles have the right of way regardless of police instructions in this context; their lights and sirens indicate immediate need to clear the path, making it essential for drivers to act promptly.