What action should you take if an emergency vehicle is approaching with its lights flashing?

When an emergency vehicle approaches with its lights flashing, the appropriate action is to move to the side of the road and stop. This response is crucial because emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, often need to reach a location quickly to provide urgent assistance. Stopping and allowing these vehicles to pass ensures they can navigate through traffic without delay and can also prevent potential accidents.

Moving to the side of the road creates a clear path for the emergency vehicle, facilitating its movement even in congested conditions. It is also a requirement under road traffic laws in many jurisdictions, including Ireland, to yield to emergency vehicles in this manner to prioritize public safety.

Other options do not contribute positively to the situation. Speeding up or signaling the driver to go around can create confusion and increase the risk of collisions, while ignoring an approaching emergency vehicle is not only dangerous but also illegal.