When approaching intersections while responding to an emergency, what should an operator do?

When approaching intersections while responding to an emergency, it is essential for the operator to slow down and look for traffic. This action ensures that the operator is aware of the surrounding environment and can assess any potential hazards. By reducing speed, the operator is better able to react to other vehicles, pedestrians, or unexpected obstacles that may be in or entering the intersection.

Relying solely on sirens and lights does not guarantee that other drivers will yield the right of way, as not all drivers will be aware of an approaching emergency vehicle or may not react appropriately in a high-stress situation. Therefore, actively looking for traffic while slowing down enhances safety for both the emergency responder and other roadway users.

This approach aligns with the principles of defensive driving, which emphasizes awareness and caution, particularly in potentially high-risk situations such as intersections during an emergency response.