A 2-minute lesson from the Mississippi course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Sirens and flashing lights mean someone's life may be on the line. Get out of the way predictably: pull to the right and wait, and give extra room to emergency vehicles stopped at the roadside.
Know the rule
Any ambulance, fire engine or police car flashing red or blue lights, or signaling with a bell or siren, always has the right of way on any street, in any traffic situation.
You're in the right lane of a four-lane highway and see a police car with lights flashing stopped on the shoulder ahead. Check your mirrors and move into the left lane if it's safe; if it isn't, slow down and be ready to stop.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What must you do when you notice an emergency vehicle approaching with lights or siren active?
Yield the right of way
Speed up to clear the area quickly
Continue at normal speed and let it pass
Stop wherever you are immediately, even in the travel lane
Answer: Yield the right of way
Emergency vehicles always have the right of way; pull over to the extreme right shoulder if possible.
