What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind with its lights flashing?

When an emergency vehicle approaches from behind with its lights flashing, the appropriate response is to pull over to the right and stop. This action is necessary for several reasons.

First and foremost, emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, or police cars, require a clear path to reach their destination quickly. By moving to the right and stopping, you are allowing these vehicles to pass safely and efficiently. This is crucial in emergencies where every second counts.

Moreover, it’s a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including Iowa, to yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over when they are responding to an incident. Failing to do so can result in penalties or fines.

The other options are not advisable because they could obstruct the emergency vehicle’s path or create dangerous situations. Increasing your speed, for instance, might cause confusion and may not provide the emergency vehicle with a clear passage. Staying in your lane while continuing to drive could lead to an accident or impede the emergency response. Lastly, looking for a place to turn around is impractical and could disrupt traffic further rather than facilitating the emergency vehicle's progress.