What actions must a driver take when an emergency vehicle is approaching?

When an emergency vehicle is approaching, the correct action for a driver is to pull over to the right side of the road and stop. This maneuver is essential for several reasons. It creates a clear path for emergency vehicles, which need to reach their destinations as quickly as possible, often in response to time-sensitive situations such as medical emergencies, fires, or law enforcement matters. Stopping on the right allows emergency responders to navigate past vehicles easily, especially in situations with heavy traffic.

The other options present actions that would hinder the progress of emergency responders. Pulling over to the left could lead to traffic confusion and impede the normal flow of movement for vehicles that might be coming from behind. Speeding up disregards the safety protocol and may further complicate the ability of the emergency vehicle to maneuver. Driving at a slower speed does not provide a clear avenue for the emergency vehicle and could also lead to accidents if others try to navigate around. Thus, pulling over to the right and stopping is the most effective and safe practice when an emergency vehicle approaches.