What should an ambulance driver do when encountering pedestrians?

When encountering pedestrians, it is crucial for an ambulance driver to prioritize safety, which is why slowing down and yielding the right of way is the appropriate action to take. This approach ensures the safety of both the pedestrians and the ambulance occupants. Pedestrians may not always be aware of approaching emergency vehicles, and their safety is a key concern in emergency response situations. By yielding the right of way, the driver allows pedestrians to cross safely and prevents accidents that could result from a rushed or aggressive maneuver.

Speeding up to clear the area can lead to dangerous situations and increases the risk of collisions. Ignoring pedestrians is also unsafe, as it disregards their rights and may lead to accidents. Honking the horn aggressively does not communicate a safe intention and can alarm pedestrians, potentially causing confusion and panic, which may further increase the likelihood of an accident. Therefore, the correct approach is to slow down and yield the right of way to ensure the safety of everyone involved.