In the U.S., what exactly are we supposed to do when an ambulance, with its sirens on, approaches from behind?
Let's assume we're not stopped at a traffic signal.
This is only anecdotal, but I heard once that you're not supposed to stop altogether, rather drive at a slower pace so as to let it pass quickly. The person said what was more important is that drivers don't make sudden changes to their behavior. An EMT driver can more safely maneuver if they don't have to predict what any one knucklehead will do the moment they get close.
If this is wrong or needs clarification, please enlighten me!
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The exact laws vary by state, but it's always "get the fuck out the way, as quickly as you can while being as predictable as possible."
I've never heard that you're supposed to not stop (if that's what you meant), but as far as I know, you're not required to stop if you're out of the way and not preventing anyone else from getting out if the way.
If memory serves, that's what the person said. Then again, it was on reddit, so I should have immediately looked to confirm it myself instead of filing it away in the "pretty sure" drawer. Let's not mention that I started driving maybe 17 years ago, hah. Well, lesson learned!
My practice has been move to the right and come to a stop assuming doing so doesnt prevent the other vehicles around you to also move out of the way to the right. I feel like it is also going to depend on the environment, country road with flat dirt shoulders are different than narrow freeway junctions.