What should you do if you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, the appropriate action is to pull over to the right and stop. This response is crucial for several reasons. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks need to navigate through traffic quickly in order to respond to emergencies. By moving to the right, you are clearing a path for the vehicle to get by safely.

Stopping allows for both your safety and the safety of others on the road. It ensures that you are not in the way of the emergency vehicle as it approaches, thus reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, it is a legal requirement in Ontario for drivers to yield to emergency vehicles, as failing to do so can result in penalties.

The other options are not advisable. Increasing speed can lead to dangerous situations, particularly as it may involve abrupt maneuvers that could endanger yourself and others. Continuing to drive, even if you believe the area is clear, can obstruct the emergency vehicle and prevent it from reaching its destination promptly. Following the emergency vehicle can create further complications and is generally discouraged, as it can interfere with their response and create congestion behind them.