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

When you encounter a stopped emergency vehicle with its flashing lights activated, changing lanes away from the vehicle, if possible, is the safest and most responsible action to take. This maneuver helps to create a buffer zone between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle, allowing first responders to operate safely without the risk of being struck by passing vehicles. It is particularly important in ensuring their safety and maintaining the safety of the situation they are responding to.

Moreover, this practice aligns with the "Move Over" laws in many states, including Ohio, which require drivers to move to a different lane—or slow down significantly if it's not possible to change lanes—when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road. This law helps protect not only emergency personnel but also other individuals who may be involved in roadside incidents.

In contrast, speeding up to pass quickly could lead to a collision and adds danger to an already precarious situation. Not stopping for pedestrian considerations or maintaining your current speed in the vicinity of a stopped emergency vehicle could neglect the local laws designed to safeguard those working on the roadside. Therefore, the advised action to change lanes not only promotes safety but also demonstrates civic responsibility while driving.