What is the proper response when you hear a siren while driving?

When you hear a siren while driving, the proper response is to pull over to the right and stop. This action is essential for allowing emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, police cars, or fire trucks, to pass safely and quickly. By moving your vehicle out of the way, you help ensure that these vehicles can respond to emergencies without delay, which can be critical in saving lives.

Pulling over and stopping is also in line with traffic laws that mandate yielding to emergency vehicles. This practice maintains order on the roads and prevents accidents that could occur if drivers continue to move in the presence of an emergency vehicle.

In contrast, ignoring the siren can create dangerous situations, as it disrupts the expected right of way for emergency responders. Speeding up would not only delay the emergency response but also increase the risk of collisions as it may catch other drivers off guard. Changing lanes without stopping does not necessarily guarantee a clear path for the emergency vehicle, and could lead to confusion or accidents as other drivers may not anticipate the movement. Thus, stopping safely is the best response when hearing a siren.