What action must drivers take when they hear a siren of an emergency vehicle behind them?

When drivers hear the siren of an emergency vehicle behind them, the appropriate action is to pull over to the right and stop. This response is crucial for several reasons.

First, it allows emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, or police cars, to navigate through traffic quickly and efficiently to reach their destination, which may be a critical situation where time is of the essence. Stopping in a manner that clears the lane helps create a safe corridor for the emergency vehicle to pass through without delays.

Additionally, the law in many jurisdictions, including South Dakota, mandates that drivers yield to emergency vehicles. Failing to pull over could not only hinder the emergency response but also pose legal repercussions for the driver.

In contrast, continuing to drive at normal speed prevents the emergency vehicle from proceeding and could potentially lead to accidents. Pulling over to the left is generally inappropriate, as this could place the driver in the path of oncoming traffic or complicate the situation further. Ignoring the siren could lead to dangerous situations for all parties involved and is not a responsible driver action. Therefore, pulling over to the right and stopping is the safe and legally required response.