What should a driver do if they see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road?

If a driver sees an emergency vehicle on the side of the road, the correct response is to change lanes if it is safe to do so or to slow down. This approach is grounded in safety, ensuring that the area around the emergency vehicle remains clear for first responders to do their work effectively. Many states have laws requiring drivers to give space to emergency vehicles, which is crucial for protecting both those responding to emergencies and those in transit.

Changing lanes when safe allows the driver to create a buffer zone, reducing the risk of accidents that could happen if the emergency vehicle were to move into traffic or if emergency personnel were to be on the road. If changing lanes is not possible, slowing down is essential. It shows consideration for the safety of the emergency workers and any individuals involved in the incident.

Other options, such as speeding up to pass quickly, coming to a complete stop immediately, or ignoring the vehicle, could lead to unsafe situations. Speeding past could result in a collision, coming to an abrupt stop could disrupt traffic and create hazards, and ignoring the situation is not only dangerous but also against the law in many jurisdictions.