What should you do if you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, the appropriate response is to pull over to the right side of the road and stop. This action allows the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly, which is crucial in situations where they are responding to emergencies. Stopping also ensures that you are not obstructing their path, which can be vital for public safety.

Pulling over and stopping creates a clear lane for the emergency responders, helps prevent potential accidents, and shows respect for the important work they do. It is a lawful requirement in most jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, to yield to emergency vehicles, and failing to do so could result in legal penalties.

In contrast, ignoring the emergency vehicle, speeding up to get ahead, or changing lanes quickly can lead to dangerous situations for both you and the emergency responders, as these actions do not provide the needed clearance for the emergency vehicle to navigate through traffic efficiently.