Final answer:
When encountering a tow truck on the road with its lights on, you should slow down and move over to another lane if possible, or pass with caution if you cannot change lanes. This adheres to the 'Move Over' law, ensuring safety for service personnel and motorists.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you see a tow truck on the side of the road with its lights on, the correct action to take depends on the laws of the area you are driving in. However, a common law in many places is the 'Move Over' law, which requires drivers to slow down and, if possible, move over to a lane further away from the tow truck to ensure the safety of the tow truck operator and other motorists.
If you are unable to change lanes due to traffic, you should reduce your speed significantly and pass by the tow truck with caution. This rule is similar to how one should respond when encountering any emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance or police car with activated lights or siren, where it is usually required that you pull to the side of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed.
It is important to follow these safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for emergency and service personnel working on the roadside.