Final answer:
Maintaining a safe distance of 150 to 500 feet behind an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance is crucial. You should pull over and stop, allowing the vehicle to pass. Running toward or alongside an ambulance is unsafe and hinders emergency responders.
Step-by-step explanation:
When following an emergency vehicle with its lights or siren activated, it is important to stay back a safe distance. The general rule of thumb recommended by many transportation departments is to maintain a minimum distance of 150 to 500 feet (approximately 50 to 150 meters) behind an emergency vehicle. The exact distance may vary based on jurisdiction and the speed of your vehicle.
In an emergency situation, such as when an ambulance is approaching, assess the situation quickly. If you are driving and you hear the Doppler shift in an ambulance siren, you can tell when it's getting closer and also if it has passed by. This can help you determine if you need to pull over and let the ambulance through. The correct action to take is to stop moving and become stationary till the emergency vehicle passes by.
Understanding how to act around emergency vehicles is crucial for safety and is part of defensive driving practices. It is never safe to run toward or alongside an ambulance as this can cause harm to yourself and interfere with emergency responders.