How far may an operator follow an ambulance when its flashing yellow lights are activated?

When an operator encounters an ambulance with its flashing yellow lights activated, they are required to follow specific protocols for safety and traffic management. The correct approach is to maintain a safe distance, allowing the ambulance to maneuver safely and respond to emergencies.

In this context, the term "assured cleared" implies that the operator must ensure that they do not impede the ambulance's path and afford it the necessary space to operate effectively. This means the driver should be alert to their surroundings and willing to yield or stop, rather than maintaining a fixed distance that could be interpreted as being too close.

Maintaining a distance that guarantees the ambulance can proceed without obstruction helps ensure both the safety of the patients being transported and the overall flow of traffic. This understanding is critical for all drivers, emphasizing their responsibility to facilitate emergency responses by keeping a safe operating distance whenever emergency vehicles are in operation.