What action should a driver take when they hear a siren approaching from behind?

When a driver hears a siren approaching from behind, the most appropriate action is to pull over to the side of the road and stop. This response is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, police cars, or fire trucks, rely on the right-of-way to respond quickly to emergencies. By pulling over, you create a clear path for the emergency vehicle to pass through, which can significantly affect response times in critical situations.

Stopping also ensures the safety of both the driver and the emergency responders. If a vehicle continues to drive at the same speed or speeds up, it can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents. Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle is not only unsafe but also illegal in many jurisdictions, including Texas. Therefore, safely pulling over and stopping is the correct and responsible action when encountering an emergency vehicle with its siren activated.