How should you react to an emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

When you encounter an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, the appropriate response is to pull over to the side of the road and stop. This action creates a safe corridor for the emergency vehicle to pass, allowing it to reach its destination quickly and without obstruction. It is crucial for the safety of both the emergency responders and other road users that you stop your vehicle until the emergency vehicle has gone by or until you are directed otherwise.

Stopping helps prevent accidents that could occur if vehicles remain in motion while an emergency vehicle is navigating traffic. This practice is also legally mandated in many states, including Nebraska, to ensure prompt assistance in emergencies, such as medical situations or fire responses.

Other responses, such as speeding up or changing lanes without signaling, increase the risk of an accident and do not allow the emergency vehicle to maneuver effectively. Staying in your lane while continuing to drive can block the path of the emergency vehicle, which defeats the purpose of the emergency response. Therefore, pulling over and stopping is the safest and most responsible action to take in this scenario.