Final answer:
When encountering an emergency vehicle with activated lights, you must slow down, move over, and stop if necessary to allow them to pass safely. Follow the law and do not follow or run alongside emergency vehicles, and maintain safety even in urgent situations when possible.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you see an emergency vehicle with activated lights, it is imperative to follow the lawful procedure, which includes slowing down, moving over to give them space if you're driving in the same direction, and stopping if necessary, to ensure they can pass by safely. It's illegal to follow or run alongside an emergency vehicle, or enter an intersection where one is passing through. You should remain alert and pay attention to any instructions that might come from the emergency personnel. In case you're faced with a critical situation, like transporting a pregnant woman in labor to the hospital, you should still adhere to traffic laws for safety reasons unless circumstances dictate an unavoidable urgency, taking the safest course of action possible.
When dealing with traffic signals and emergencies, sometimes a 'Rule Utilitarian' approach might suggest breaking a rule if it serves the greater good, such as running a red light at 4 AM to get a woman in labor to the hospital. However, this is not a legal justification and can result in legal consequences. Always ensure the safety of all individuals involved by abiding by the road rules and exercising good judgment in emergency situations.