When you hear the siren of an emergency vehicle, what is the general rule of thumb?

When you hear the siren of an emergency vehicle, the appropriate action is to pull over to the left until the emergency vehicle passes. This response is based on the principle of creating a clear path for emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, or police cars, which need to reach their destinations quickly to respond to emergencies.

By moving to the left, you not only follow the general road rule but also ensure that the emergency vehicle has ample space to maneuver safely without obstruction. Typically, it's crucial to remain aware of your surroundings and ensure that the lane you are in is safe to exit, but pulling to the left is standard in many jurisdictions, as it aligns with traffic laws regarding emergency response.

The other choices do not align with safe driving practices in emergencies. Pulling over to the right might place you in the way of an oncoming vehicle or create confusion, speeding up could endanger you and others, and continuing to drive normally disregards the urgency of the situation.