Practice question

If an emergency vehicle approaches from behind, what action should you take?

  1. Speed up to get out of the way
  2. Stop immediately in the lane
  3. Move as close as possible to the edge of the road
  4. Ignore the vehicle unless it has its sirens on

Answer: C — Move as close as possible to the edge of the road

When an emergency vehicle approaches from behind, the appropriate action is to move as close as possible to the edge of the road. This maneuver allows the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly, ensuring that it can attend to urgent situations without delay. It is essential to remain aware of your surroundings and to yield the right of way to emergency responders, as they may need to navigate through traffic at high speeds. Shifting to the edge of the road is important because stopping suddenly in your lane could create an unexpected hazard for other drivers and could lead to accidents. Additionally, speeding up to get out of the way does not guarantee safety and can result in reckless driving. Ignoring the vehicle unless it has its sirens on is not advisable, as emergency vehicles often use both lights and sirens, and failing to respond appropriately can impede their response time. Moving to the edge of the road shows compliance with traffic laws and consideration for public safety.

Practice more: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Driver's Ed Practice Exam →