Practice question

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

  1. Speed up to clear the road
  2. Pull over and stop until the vehicle passes
  3. Continue driving normally
  4. Signal and change lanes abruptly

Answer: B — Pull over and stop until the vehicle passes

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 until the vehicle has passed. This helps ensure the safety of emergency personnel and allows them to respond to their duties without obstruction. Stopping also helps prevent accidents that could occur from trying to navigate around the emergency vehicle while it is attending to a situation. Adhering to this practice not only demonstrates responsible driving but is often a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including Massachusetts. The law emphasizes yielding to emergency vehicles, which is crucial for public safety. By pulling over and stopping, you are contributing to a safer environment for everyone on the road.

Practice more: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Practice Test →