Final answer:
New Jersey state law requires motorists to pull over and stop for emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens. Quickly and safely yielding is not just legally necessary, but ensures emergency services can travel unimpeded for public safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
In New Jersey state law, all motorists are required to yield to an emergency vehicle when they hear sirens or see flashing red or blue lights. The correct action is to safely pull over to the side of the road and come to a complete stop, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass. This law helps ensure that emergency services can reach their destination as quickly and safely as possible, without unnecessary obstructions or delays caused by traffic.
For example, if drivers hear a Doppler shift in an ambulance siren indicating it is getting closer, they must determine if they need to pull over and allow it to pass. In a scenario where there's a pregnant woman about to deliver in your vehicle, the 'rule utilitarianism' (RU) approach might suggest going through a red light at 4 AM if it leads to greater overall utility. However, this is an exception and not the rule. Generally, yield to emergency vehicles is not just a legal requirement but a critical act of ensuring public safety.
It is important to remember that the interaction with authority figures like police officers depends on their legitimate exercise of power. An officer can pull you over and issue a speeding ticket, but they cannot command you to do personal chores, demonstrating the limits of their authority.