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

When you encounter an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, the correct action is to pull over to the right and stop. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures the emergency vehicle can navigate through traffic quickly and reach its destination, whether that be responding to an emergency call or providing assistance at the scene of an incident. Stopping and pulling over allows officers, firefighters, or paramedics to perform their duties without obstacles in their path.

Additionally, it is a legal requirement in Washington State and many other jurisdictions to yield to emergency vehicles. By pulling over and stopping, you are demonstrating safe driving practices and contributing to public safety.

The other choices present actions that could lead to dangerous situations. Speeding up to pass could create confusion and potentially result in accidents, as well as hinder the emergency vehicle's ability to respond effectively. Staying in your lane while continuing to drive can impede the emergency vehicle's passage, leading to delays in critical situations. Honking your horn is unnecessary and could distract from the emergency response efforts. Therefore, pulling over to the right and stopping is the safest and most responsible choice when facing an emergency vehicle on the road.