How must drivers respond to emergency vehicles on the airside?

Drivers must yield and give priority to emergency vehicles on the airside because safety is paramount in these high-traffic areas. Emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks or ambulances, are often responding to critical situations where every second counts. By yielding, drivers help ensure that these vehicles can navigate quickly and efficiently to their destinations without delays, which is crucial for maintaining safety and effective emergency response.

This protocol is essential not only for the safety of the emergency responders but also for the safety of all personnel and passengers in the vicinity. Properly yielding can involve pulling over when safe to do so, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass, and maintaining awareness of the overall situation, which is especially vital in an airside environment.

Other choices, such as speeding up or ignoring the emergency vehicles, compromise the safety and could lead to dangerous situations. Flashing headlights at them is not a recognized protocol and could potentially confuse other drivers or emergency personnel. Understanding and adhering to proper response protocols helps maintain order and safety in airport operations.