What action should be taken if you see an emergency vehicle with lights flashing?

When you encounter an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, the appropriate action is to pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop. This action is critical for ensuring the safety of emergency responders as they approach, as well as the safety of other motorists and pedestrians.

By moving to the right and stopping, you create a clear pathway for the emergency vehicle to pass through quickly and safely, minimizing any potential delays in response time to emergencies. This behavior is mandated by both common courtesy and traffic laws in Illinois, helping to protect first responders and those they may be trying to assist.

The other options suggest actions that could endanger both yourself and the emergency personnel. Speeding up could create more congestion or confusion, remaining in your lane could block the emergency vehicle, and turning off your vehicle could hinder your ability to respond to further instructions or directions from law enforcement. Therefore, safely pulling over and stopping is the safest and legally required response.