Question

Difficulty: EasyEmergency Vehicles, School Buses, and Work Zones

You are driving on a highway and approach a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing red and blue lights on the right shoulder. Place the following driver actions in the correct sequential order from first to last to comply with Move Over laws.

  1. 1Check your mirrors and blind spots to evaluate surrounding traffic.
  2. 2Turn on your turn signal to indicate your intention to move into an open lane.
  3. 3Merge safely into a lane that is not adjacent to the stopped emergency vehicle.
  4. 4Reduce your speed significantly below the posted limit if a lane change is unsafe.

Answer

The correct sequential order of driver actions when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle on the shoulder is: first check mirrors and blind spots, second activate your turn signal, third safely change into a non-adjacent lane, and fourth reduce speed if changing lanes is not possible.
When encountering a stationary emergency vehicle with active warning lights on the shoulder of a multi-lane road, Move Over laws require drivers to move out of the adjacent lane if safe. The proper sequence begins with observing surrounding traffic via mirrors and blind spots, signaling the intent to shift lanes, executing the lane change away from the emergency vehicle, and reducing speed as a fallback if changing lanes is unsafe.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Scan surrounding traffic
Identified safe space in the adjacent travel lane
Drivers must first observe surrounding traffic using mirrors and blind spot checks to ensure a lane change can be performed safely.
2
Signal your intent to move
Warned trailing and adjacent drivers of the upcoming maneuver
Activating the signal informs other road users of your planned path before changing lanes.
3
Vacate the lane next to the emergency vehicle
Created a safe physical barrier space for emergency responders
Move Over regulations mandate shifting away from the immediate lane bordering a stopped emergency vehicle.
4
Adjust speed if lane change cannot be executed
Passed the emergency scene at a reduced speed and heightened awareness
When dense traffic blocks a lane change, slowing down significantly satisfies the legal requirement to protect roadside personnel.

Key Concept

Move Over Law Sequence
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