You're driving on a two-way street when you hear the siren of an approaching emergency vehicle. Under Ontario law, what must you do?
- Pull over to the right and stop. ✓
- Keep driving at the same speed.
- Slow down to 15 km/h (10 mph).
- Speed up to get out of the way.
Answer: A. Pull over to the right and stop.
Pull over to the right side of the road and stop.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says that when an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights or a siren from either direction, you must slow down, move as far right as you can and stop. It also tells you to signal, check your mirrors and come to a stop gradually rather than braking suddenly. You then wait for the emergency vehicle to pass and watch for other responders. Pulling to the right and stopping is exactly what the law requires.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Keep driving at the same speed. — Keeping your speed and continuing on leaves the way blocked; the handbook requires you to slow down, move right and stop.
- C. Slow down to 15 km/h (10 mph). — The handbook does not set a 15 km/h speed for this; it says to pull as far right as you can and come to a stop.
- D. Speed up to get out of the way. — Speeding up works against clearing the way; you are told to yield by moving right and stopping, not to accelerate.
Remember it
Siren or flashing lights: signal, move right, stop, then wait.