Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

What should you do if you encounter a stopped emergency vehicle with lights flashing?

1. Move over to the adjacent lane if possible, otherwise slow down

2. Speed up to pass quickly

3. Maintain your speed and proceed cautiously

4. Stop immediately and wait for instructions

The correct answer is: Move over to the adjacent lane if possible, otherwise slow down

When you encounter a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, the appropriate action is to move over to an adjacent lane if it is safe and possible to do so. This is fundamental for the safety of emergency responders who are often working in or adjacent to traffic. Moving over creates a buffer zone, reducing the risk of an accident involving the emergency personnel and other vehicles. If it is not possible to change lanes, slowing down is also crucial. This reduces the speed of your vehicle, thereby minimizing potential hazards for those attending to emergencies. This action also helps convey respect for the situation and enhances overall roadway safety. The other responses are less suitable because speeding up to pass could endanger both the emergency responders and other motorists, while maintaining speed does not offer the same safety precautions. Stopping immediately can disrupt the flow of traffic and create additional hazards, especially if other vehicles behind are not expecting a sudden stop. Therefore, moving over when safe and slowing down when necessary constitutes the most responsible and safest course of action.