Final answer:
Typically, a police officer drives a police car or patrol vehicle through an intersection, characterized by flashing red and blue lights and sirens, signifying their authority to enforce traffic laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of vehicle that a police officer is likely driving while going through an intersection is typically referred to as a police car or patrol vehicle. This is evident from the context wherein a citizen who sees the flashing red and blue lights of a police car in their rearview mirror usually acknowledges the authority of the police officer driving and pulls to the side of the road. Police cars are equipped with sirens and lights that are used to signal their authority and presence, thus allowing them to navigate through traffic and perform official duties, including traffic stops and enforcing the speed limit at intersections.