What must the driver of an emergency vehicle with a siren and flashing lights prioritize?

The driver of an emergency vehicle with a siren and flashing lights must prioritize the safety of other persons. This entails ensuring that while responding to emergencies, the driver operates the vehicle in a manner that avoids endangering other road users, pedestrians, and even themselves. Emergency vehicles are often granted certain privileges, such as the right of way, but these privileges come with the responsibility to exercise caution and awareness of the surrounding environment.

In emergency situations, while speed is certainly important to reach the destination quickly, it should never come at the cost of safety. The driver must navigate promptly but also carefully, making sure to assess traffic conditions, potential hazards, and the reactions of other road users to their approach.

Overall, prioritizing safety ensures that the emergency service can reach their destination while minimizing risks to themselves and others, fulfilling their duty effectively and responsibly. This is why safety takes precedence over aspects like closely following another vehicle or simply speeding, which could create dangerous situations.