When approached by an emergency vehicle that is using its siren and/or flashing lights, a driver must immediately:
- Pull to the right and stop. ✓
- Pull to the right and slow down.
- Pull to the right and turn on their vehicle's four-way flashers.
- Stop and let the emergency vehicle pass.
Answer: A. Pull to the right and stop.
Pull to the right edge of the road and stop.
Why this is the answer
The Texas handbook says you must yield to police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles that are sounding a siren, bell, or flashing red light. When traffic allows, you pull to the right edge of the road and stop. If you cannot pull over to the right, you slow down and leave a clear path. Another handbook section also says state law requires an immediate stop when an authorized emergency vehicle approaches. So the required action is to move right and stop, not just slow down.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Pull to the right and slow down. — Pulling right and only slowing down is not the handbook’s main instruction; slowing down and leaving a clear path applies when you are unable to pull over to the right.
- C. Pull to the right and turn on their vehicle's four-way flashers. — Turning on four-way flashers is not stated as the required response to an approaching emergency vehicle; the handbook’s instruction is to pull to the right edge and stop when traffic allows.
- D. Stop and let the emergency vehicle pass. — Simply stopping where you are does not follow the handbook’s instruction to pull to the right edge of the road before stopping when traffic allows.
Remember it
Clear the lane before you brake.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 4: Right-of-Way , p. 22