Final answer:
You must pull over to the side of the road and stop when emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing lights are approaching to allow them to pass safely, as part of legal requirements and public safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you see or hear emergency vehicles responding with sirens and/or flashing lights, you must pull over to the side of the road and stop. This action helps clear the way for the emergency vehicle to reach its destination more quickly and safely, as it might be responding to an urgent situation where every second counts. The Doppler effect may alert you to the presence of an approaching ambulance through the characteristic change in the siren's pitch - an increase in frequency as it approaches and a decrease as it moves away.
A citizen's interaction with emergency services and understanding how to react to sirens and flashing lights is crucial for public safety and the effective operation of such services. It is legally required and also a moral duty to give right of way to such vehicles, illustrating respect for law and emergency procedures. Remember, it is not appropriate to increase your speed or ignore emergency vehicles; instead, pull over and stop in a safe and timely manner.