How should you react to an emergency vehicle approaching with flashing lights?

When an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights, the appropriate response is to pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop. This action helps ensure that the emergency vehicle can safely pass through traffic without delays or obstacles.

Pulling over to the right allows for better visibility for both the driver of the emergency vehicle and other motorists, creating a clear path. Staying in your lane or maintaining speed can hinder the urgency with which the emergency services are able to respond to a situation, potentially endangering lives.

Stopping in the right lane also allows drivers behind you to see that you are yielding to the emergency vehicle, helping to prevent confusion on the road. This response is not only a matter of safety but also often mandated by law in many states, including New Jersey.