What distance should you stay behind emergency vehicles responding to a call?

When an emergency vehicle is responding to a call, it is crucial for your safety and the safety of others that you maintain a significant distance from that vehicle. The correct distance to stay behind is 500 feet. This distance allows emergency responders to maneuver their vehicles without interference and ensures that you are out of the way of any potential hazards that might arise during their response.

Additionally, being 500 feet away provides ample space to observe what actions the emergency vehicle is taking, such as turning or stopping, so you can react appropriately. This distance is recognized as a standard guideline for motorists to uphold the safety of both responders and the general public. Keeping this distance not only helps avoid obstruction but also ensures that you're not inadvertently involved in a situation that could lead to accidents or delays in emergency response efforts.