What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches while driving?

When an emergency vehicle approaches with its lights flashing or siren activated, the appropriate response is to pull to the right side of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed. This action provides a clear and unobstructed path for the emergency vehicle, allowing it to reach its destination quickly and safely, which is essential in emergency situations where every second counts.

Moving to the right also aligns with traffic laws in Arizona, which require drivers to yield to emergency vehicles. Simply slowing down and stopping in your lane would not create the necessary space for the emergency response and could lead to an obstruction, increasing the risk of accidents. Accelerating to get out of the way can be dangerous; it might put the driver in a position where they inadvertently interfere with the emergency vehicle's path. Stopping in the middle of the road would block traffic and create a hazardous situation for all road users. Thus, pulling to the right and stopping is the safest and most legally compliant response.