New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsMedium
You are driving on a multi-lane highway and notice an emergency vehicle (e.g., police car, ambulance, fire truck) approaching from behind with its lights flashing and siren sounding. What is your immediate action?
- AIncrease your speed to clear the way quickly.
- BContinue driving at the posted speed limit until it passes.
- CMove to the left lane to provide a clear path.
- DPull over to the nearest edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Pull over to the nearest edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop.
New York State law requires all drivers to pull over to the nearest edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and a siren approaches. This ensures a clear path for the emergency vehicle.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Increasing speed is dangerous and illegal when an emergency vehicle is approaching.
- B. Continuing to drive at the speed limit is illegal and obstructs emergency services.
- C. Moving left might impede the emergency vehicle or other traffic; the safest action is to pull to the right.
Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way
Upon the approach of an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights and sounding a siren, drivers must yield the right-of-way by pulling over to the nearest edge of the roadway and stopping.
- Applies to police, fire, ambulance.
- Must pull to the right edge.
- Stop completely until it passes.
Memory trick: Lights and siren, pull right and stop quiet.