What is the safest protocol at intersections when responding in an emergency?

• A. Blow through at a slow speed
• B. Yield to all traffic and cross only when clear
• C. Stop and then move on when clear
• D. Come to a complete stop at all intersections

Answer: (D)

Stopping completely at intersections during an emergency keeps you in control of the situation. By coming to a full stop, you create a moment to scan all directions for cross traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists who might not see you right away even with lights and sirens. That pause lets you verify there is a safe gap or that you have the right of way before entering the intersection, reducing the risk of a crash or someone misjudging your path. After stopping, you assess the approach from each direction, obey any traffic controls, and proceed only when it’s clearly safe. This conservative, deliberate approach is safer than rolling through or relying on visibility alone, which is why coming to a complete stop at all intersections is the safest protocol.