If you can see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights ahead, what should you do?

When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights ahead, the most appropriate action is to not follow too closely. This behavior is critical for several reasons.

First, emergency vehicles often have a specific purpose for being on the road, such as responding to incidents, and they may need to maneuver quickly. By maintaining a safe distance, you provide the driver of the emergency vehicle the necessary space to navigate through traffic or to stop, should the situation require it.

Additionally, staying back helps ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others on the road. There may be other vehicles that need to yield to the emergency vehicle, or pedestrians who might enter the roadway unexpectedly.

Following too closely can impede your reaction time, reducing your ability to respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and maintain a cautious distance when emergency services are active to avoid potential accidents and ensure the efficient functioning of emergency responders.