Emergency Vehicle Warning Lights in your Rearview? Here's what to do

So you're just driving along minding your own business, when suddenly, emergency vehicle warning lights appear in your rear view mirrors. Lights flashing, sound blaring, and headed your way! Ahhh! Time to panic!!

Oh, wait. Scratch that last part. Don't panic! When you panic, you lose your ability to make rational decisions. First responders become very frustrated while responding with their emergency vehicle warning lights because of panicking drivers making irrational decisions.

Move to the right

Always move to the right. Even if you are in the left lane, don't go to the left shoulder. Move right...always. First responders driving emergency vehicles will expect you to move right. That is proper protocol and is actually a law in most places. Never move to the left.

What to do when you're getting pulled over

First of all, calm down. Just drive the car. Here are some do's and don'ts when it comes to being pulled over.

Do...

• Stay calm
• Plan on moving to the right side of the road
• Signal your intention
• Safely make your lane changes towards the right shoulder
• Find a safe place on the shoulder to stop
• Get as far off the road as possible

Don't...

• Slam on the brakes out of panic
• Make sudden and unpredictable maneuvers
• Pull over to the left side
• Stop on a bridge
• Try to outrun the cop

Ok, I added that last one in just to make sure you were paying attention. The biggest thing to remember when seeing those bright shiny LED emergency vehicle warning lights is to remain calm. The police car won't bite you, and the police officer won't mind you slowly pulling over (within reason) in order to do so safely. It isn't a race to the side of the road.

Move over for stopped emergency vehicles too!

Many police officers and other first responders are injured and killed every year on the side of the road. In most places, it is law to move over for stopped emergency equipment. Slow down and give them a one lane minimum buffer zone.