What should you do if you are approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights that has stopped?

When you are approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights that has stopped, changing lanes, if safe to do so, is the advisable action. This maneuver provides a wider buffer zone between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle, ensuring the safety of both the emergency personnel and yourself.

Emergency vehicles often require more space, and their personnel might be moving around in the vicinity. By changing lanes, you also allow other vehicles nearby to safely adjust, preventing congestion and potential accidents.

It's important to assess road conditions and the position of other vehicles when making this decision to ensure that your lane change is both safe and effective. The other options are less safe; speeding up could create new hazards, honking could startle emergency personnel, and simply continuing at the same speed lacks regard for the potential dangers present in the vicinity of stopped emergency vehicles.