What should you do if you encounter a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

When you encounter a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, it is crucial to prioritize safety—both yours and that of the emergency personnel. Moving to another lane, if it's safe to do so, allows you to give the emergency vehicle and its occupants more space to operate effectively without interference. This action helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safer on the road.

If a lane change is not possible or safe, slowing down is the appropriate course of action. Reducing your speed when passing a stopped emergency vehicle demonstrates caution and respect for the personnel working on the scene, as well as allowing you enough time to respond to any sudden changes that may occur.

This approach aligns with many states' Move Over laws, which require drivers to either move over or reduce their speed when approaching stationary emergency vehicles. It's a proactive way of contributing to roadway safety and ensuring that emergency responders can perform their duties without additional risks.