What should you do if an emergency vehicle is overtaking you with its lights flashing?

When an emergency vehicle is overtaking you with its lights flashing, the appropriate response is to pull over to the extreme right shoulder until it has passed. This action is critical for several reasons.

First and foremost, pulling over provides a clear path for the emergency vehicle, allowing it to navigate through traffic swiftly and safely. Emergency responders often operate under time-sensitive circumstances where every second counts, so creating an unobstructed roadway is essential.

Moreover, it’s a legal obligation in many states to yield to emergency vehicles. Failing to do so not only endangers the lives of those in the emergency vehicle but also other road users. It ensures that you're acting in a responsible and law-abiding manner when encountering an emergency situation.

Maintaining a safe distance and situational awareness is also important, as some emergency responses may require additional actions such as stopping traffic further down the road. Thus, pulling over is the most effective way to respect the needs of emergency services while ensuring safety for all on the road.