Final answer:
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles with active sirens and lights by stopping and becoming stationary. Running toward or alongside an ambulance is unsafe and obstructive. Exceptions to traffic laws, like during emergency medical situations, should be approached with caution.
Step-by-step explanation:
In response to the statement that emergency vehicles always have the absolute right of way, it is important to understand the specific traffic laws and procedures that dictate how drivers should behave when encountering these vehicles. Generally, drivers are expected to yield to emergency vehicles that are in service and using their audible and visual signals, like sirens and flashing lights. In most jurisdictions, this means you should stop moving and become stationary to allow them to pass safely. It is crucial not to run toward or run alongside the ambulance as it can obstruct their route and is unsafe.
Understanding the context, like the rule to stop at a red light versus the urgent need to get a pregnant woman to the hospital, can dictate an exception based on moral and utilitarian grounds. However, such actions should always be taken with the utmost caution and the understanding that you may be held responsible for any consequences that arise from breaking standard traffic laws. The right of way for emergency vehicles is designed to allow them to perform their critical duties as swiftly and safely as possible and is a matter of public safety and legal requirement.