What should be your first action if you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

When you encounter an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, the appropriate action is to pull over to the right side of the road and stop. This allows the emergency vehicle to safely pass by you, as it may be responding to an urgent situation that requires immediate access to the scene. By stopping and yielding the right of way, you help ensure the safety of both the emergency responders and other road users.

Stopping also allows for clearer pathways and minimizes the risk of collisions. Failure to pull over could obstruct emergency services and potentially lead to dangerous situations. Other options, such as speeding up or continuing to drive without any change, do not prioritize safety and may directly hinder the emergency vehicle's response efforts. Signaling for the vehicle to pass may create confusion and can also be unsafe, as this does not guarantee that you have cleared a safe route for them.