What should you do if you encounter an emergency vehicle with lights flashing?

When you encounter an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, the appropriate action is to move to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop. This response is crucial for several reasons.

First, stopping allows the emergency personnel to safely and quickly maneuver their vehicle and respond to incidents or emergencies. Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, often need immediate access to the scene of an emergency or to assist those in need. By yielding the right of way, you help facilitate a more efficient response time.

Second, moving to the right and stopping also ensures your safety and the safety of others on the roadway. It reduces the risk of accidents that can occur if drivers attempt to pass or accelerate past an emergency vehicle, which can have unpredictable maneuvers.

Lastly, many states, including Maryland, have laws that require drivers to yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Failing to comply can result in legal consequences, including fines or points on your driving record.

In contrast to the other options, accelerating past an emergency vehicle poses a serious risk to both you and the emergency responders. Ignoring the vehicle and continuing to drive can not only impede the emergency response but also is against the law. Simply slowing down without stopping