On the approach of an emergency vehicle using its siren and flashing lights, you must
- pull over to the side of the road and stop ✓
- slow down and keep to the right
- maintain your speed and be ready to slow down
- be ready to get out of the way
Answer: A. pull over to the side of the road and stop
You must pull over to the side of the road and stop.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens have the right-of-way, and traffic in both directions must stop. It explains that the usual way to clear a path is to pull over to the right and stop, or to the left when you are in the left lane of a divided highway or on a one-way street. You should not stop in an intersection. That is why simply slowing down or staying ready to move is not enough.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. slow down and keep to the right — Slowing down and keeping to the right does not meet the rule to stop and clear a path for the emergency vehicle.
- C. maintain your speed and be ready to slow down — Keeping your speed leaves you in the emergency vehicle's path; the handbook says traffic must stop for it.
- D. be ready to get out of the way — Being ready to get out of the way is not the same as pulling over and stopping as required.
Remember it
Lights and siren mean stop and clear the path, not just slow down.