How should a driver react if they see and hear an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaching?

When a driver sees and hears an emergency vehicle approaching with flashing lights, the appropriate reaction is to pull over to the side of the road and come to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. This action is crucial for several reasons.

First, emergency vehicles often need to move quickly through traffic to respond to urgent situations, such as medical emergencies or fires. By stopping and yielding, drivers ensure that these vehicles have an unobstructed path, which can save lives.

Second, it is important to adhere to traffic laws that require yielding to emergency vehicles. Failing to do so can lead to legal consequences, including fines and penalties.

Third, coming to a complete stop not only gives the emergency vehicle clearance but also allows the driver to remain aware of their surroundings. This can help avoid any potential accidents that could occur if the driver continued moving or simply changed lanes without stopping.

In contrast, continuing to drive normally or speeding up could create additional hazards, while merely changing lanes could still impede the emergency vehicle's progress. Thus, stopping and pulling over is the safest and most responsible action to take in this scenario.