Pull to the Right for Sirens and Lights

In an emergency, seconds count so when you hear sirens or see the lights of first responders, you should safely move as far to the right as possible and come to a complete stop. If you are unable to pull to the right or stop, slow down and leave a clear path for the emergency vehicles to get through.

On a four-lane highway without barriers, both sides of traffic should pull to the right. However, if the emergency vehicle is traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway, you do not need to pull over.

Here are some things you shouldn't do:

• Don't panic. Stay calm and remember to pull to the right if traffic allows.
• Don't race ahead to make the green light or turn before the emergency vehicle gets there.
• Don't stop in the middle lane when there is room to pull to the right.
• Don't pull to the left into the center or left turn lanes. These lanes are often used by the emergency response vehicles as an alternate path around traffic or for turning.
• Don't drive through a red light when an emergency vehicle is approaching.