Question

Difficulty: MediumEmergency Vehicles and Move-Over Laws

You are driving on a multi-lane highway when you notice an emergency vehicle approaching from behind with active flashing lights and siren. Arrange the following driver actions in the correct sequential order from first to last.

  1. 1Check your mirrors and activate your right turn signal to indicate your movement.
  2. 2Guide your vehicle smoothly toward the right edge of the roadway or right shoulder.
  3. 3Bring your vehicle to a complete stop parallel to the right curb or shoulder, clear of intersections.
  4. 4Remain stationary until the emergency vehicle has safely passed and the roadway is clear.

Answer

The correct sequential order of actions when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind is: first, check mirrors and activate your right turn signal; second, guide your vehicle smoothly toward the right edge or shoulder; third, bring your vehicle to a complete stop parallel to the right edge clear of intersections; and fourth, remain stationary until the emergency vehicle has passed.
When an emergency vehicle with active lights and sirens approaches from behind, drivers are legally required to signal and check traffic, steer to the right edge of the roadway, come to a complete stop clear of intersections, and stay stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Scan and Signal Intent
Driver checks mirrors, blind spots, and activates the right turn signal.
Communicating intent prevents collisions with surrounding vehicles while preparing to yield.
2
Steer Right
Driver transitions safely into the rightmost lane or right shoulder.
Traffic safety regulations require drivers to yield the right-of-way by moving as far to the right edge of the roadway as practicable.
3
Come to a Complete Stop
Vehicle comes to a full stop along the right curb or shoulder, outside any intersection.
Stopping clears active lanes completely, providing emergency responders a clear corridor.
4
Maintain Position
Driver stays stopped until all emergency vehicles pass.
Premature re-entry into travel lanes creates severe hazards for secondary emergency vehicles or surrounding traffic.

Key Concept

Yielding Right-of-Way to Moving Emergency Vehicles
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