Minnesota Permit Practice Test

What action is required if you see an emergency vehicle’s flashing lights while in a one-way road?

1. Stop in your current lane

2. Pull to whichever side is nearest

3. Speed up and ignore them

4. Change lanes rapidly

The correct answer is: Pull to whichever side is nearest

When you see an emergency vehicle's flashing lights on a one-way road, the appropriate action is to pull to whichever side is nearest. This response ensures that you clear the path for the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly. Emergency responders often need immediate access to the scene of an incident, and your cooperation by giving them room can save lives. On a one-way road, there's typically only one direction of travel, which simplifies the decision on where to move. Pulling to the nearest side helps avoid confusion and limits the risk of dangerous maneuvers that could occur if drivers overthink which side to move to. It's also important to signal your intentions without making sudden moves, which could create additional hazards. The other options, such as stopping in your current lane or changing lanes rapidly, can create a dangerous situation. Stopping where you are could block the emergency vehicle, while rapid lane changes might cause collisions with other vehicles on the road. Ignoring the emergency vehicle and speeding up is not only unsafe but also illegal, as it puts all road users at risk.