Philadelphia Drivers License Practice Test

Upon the approach of an emergency vehicle, what should a driver do?

1. Speed up and clear the lane

2. Pull over to the right and stop when safe

3. Ignore the vehicle and continue driving

4. Stop in the middle of the road

The correct answer is: Pull over to the right and stop when safe

When an emergency vehicle approaches, the proper and safest action for a driver is to pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop when it is safe to do so. This action is crucial for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows the emergency vehicle, which may be responding to a critical situation, to proceed quickly and safely through traffic. By moving to the right, drivers create a clear path for these vehicles, thereby facilitating a faster response time to emergencies. Additionally, stopping ensures that the driver avoids contributing to any potential hazards or traffic delays that could occur if vehicles remained in motion. Emergency vehicles often require full access to the road to navigate safely, especially when their lights and sirens are activated. It's important to note that not pulling over or ignoring the emergency vehicle can lead to consequences, including violating traffic laws designed to protect public safety. Stopping in the middle of the road can put both the driver and others at risk, as it obstructs traffic flow and can lead to collisions.