What should a driver do upon approaching an emergency vehicle?

When approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing, the appropriate action is to signal your intention and move to the right side of the road, coming to a complete stop. This maneuver provides a safe environment for first responders to work without the risk of being struck by passing vehicles.

Stopping allows you to yield the right of way, ensuring that emergency personnel can carry out their duties effectively and safely. The law in many regions, including Montana, requires drivers to take these actions to protect both the responders and other road users. This is especially important as emergency vehicles may be occupied with personnel tending to incidents, and their safety relies on the compliance of drivers to yield.

Ignoring the emergency vehicle, speeding past it, or changing lanes without signaling would create unsafe conditions and could potentially lead to serious accidents. Thus, signaling and stopping not only adheres to traffic laws but also promotes a culture of safety on the road.