Massachusetts Driver's Instructor Practice Exam

When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle on a multilane road, the law requires that you leave an open lane between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle and proceed with caution. This is designed to ensure the safety of both the emergency responders working at the scene and the drivers passing by. By moving over and providing that buffer, you reduce the risk of an accident that could occur if a vehicle were to strike either the emergency vehicle or the personnel attending to it. Additionally, it encourages safe driving practices by forcing drivers to be more aware of their surroundings when near emergency situations. Simply stopping or speeding past the vehicle does not promote safety and can lead to dangerous conditions. Honking your horn in this situation is also inappropriate, as it could startle individuals present and create further hazards.