At an intersection, what should an EVD driver do when the signal is red?

• A. Proceed through with caution.
• B. Hurry through before the light changes.
• C. Turn around and take a different route.
• D. Come to a complete stop, then proceed only when safe and in accordance with agency policy and the law.

Answer: (D)

When you encounter a red signal at an intersection, the driver of an emergency vehicle must come to a complete stop and only proceed when the path is clear and it’s safe to do so under agency policy and the law. Stopping first protects you and others from collisions with cross traffic and pedestrians, and it gives you a moment to assess the situation before entering the intersection. Even in an emergency, movement through a red light isn’t allowed unless the policy and law explicitly permit it, and those permissions come with the requirement to stop and verify safety first. Rushing through the red light or turning around to avoid the delay increases risk and isn’t consistent with proper emergency-driving procedures.