What should you do if an emergency vehicle is approaching with its siren on?

When an emergency vehicle is approaching with its siren on, the appropriate action is to pull over to the right and stop. This is important for several reasons: it ensures that the emergency vehicle can pass without delay, which is critical in emergency situations where every second counts. Stopping on the right allows other vehicles behind you and in adjacent lanes to see that the emergency vehicle is approaching, further facilitating its safe passage.

Pulling over also helps prevent potential accidents that could occur if vehicles continued to move in proximity to an emergency vehicle, which may be responding at high speeds. This action is not only a matter of courtesy but also a legal requirement in most jurisdictions, including Massachusetts. In contrast, speeding up or remaining in your lane would obstruct the emergency vehicle and could result in dangerous situations for both the responder and other road users. Likewise, stopping in the center of the road could create additional hazards and confusion for other drivers.